Book Title: Jainism The Cosmic Vision
Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Mahavir Foundation

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Page 130
________________ Jainism: The Cosmic Vision [2] One of the wings may deal with educational problems which may handle such matters as are faced by the Jain Pathshalas and provide scholarships to bright students who may desire to go abroad for higher education. [3] There are many volumes on Jain religion in various libraries. A central library be created where one can have an access to information about such volumes and where exactly are they located. It will be a boon to the researchers and scholars. [B] DARSHAN WING [1] There should be a committee consisting of scholars which can articulate the views of the Jains on matters relating to problems faced by the world. The same committee may undertake publication of books, pamphlets and such other literature on the Jain religion. It can also counter false propaganda conducted by the opponents of the Jain religion through media, lectures and publications of books. The central body may spread the gosple of Ahimsa (non-violence) and exchange information on experiments that are being conducted the world over. It can also exchange information among the Jains on important events that are taking place in their respective countries. There should be a wing which can provide information and training on the basic tenets of the Jain religion, Yoga Jain Diaspora or state. There have been movements in India like Gorkhaland or Khalistan but Jains always try to mingle with the people where they happen to live. They have never displayed any kind of religious fanaticism; on the contrary their attitude has been liberal towards other religions. This is in consonance with their faith in religious philosophy which says that a person is known not by his/her caste, creed or colour, but by the deeds performed or virtues possessed by him or her. This is evident from the fact that many Jain Acharyas have authored volumes on other religions. A Jain sadhu, in order to acquire the rightful status, has to study the scriptures of not only his own religion but of other religions also. Hemchandracharya, known as sarvagna (omniscient) in Kaliyug, worshipped the Shiva Temple in Somnath and Vastupal-Tejpal had donated land for the construction of a mosque. During the drought from Vikram Samvat 1313 to 1315 - Jagadusha opened his graneries to the people irrespective of their caste or religion. Acharya Vijayvallabhsuriji offered donation for the construction of Gurudwara for the Sikhs. Acharya Buddhisagarji opened a hostel for the Dalits. Jayantmuniji works for the welfare of the Adivasis. The greatest example is that of Virayatan. And there are schools, hospitals and community kitchens built by Jain which admit people of all religious hues. About 400 years ago, Akbar and in recent times Gandhiji felt attracted towards Jainism known for its catholic outlook and philosophy of Anekant. Gandhiji studied the anekant philosophy while in South Africa and he said that it helped him to look at a 247 etc. [2] Religions today, throughout the world, try to understand and respect each others philosophy, through interfaith activities. The activities of Jain religion are exemplary in this respect. Jains have never demanded their own "Land" 246

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