Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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Hirvijay Suri was a well-known Acharya of the 16th century who persuaded Emperor Akbar to issue proclamation prohibiting animal slaughter on certain Jain religious days. Yogi Anandaghani and Upadhyay Yashovijay wrote extensively during that period in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Gujarati. Srimad Rajchand wrote ATMASIDHDHI SHASTRA and MOKSHAMALA in the 19th century. He also deeply influenced Mahatma Gandhi and planted in him abiding faith in the principle and practice of Ahimsa.
In the 20th century, notable creative contribution in highly enlightening style in enriching Jain literature as well as interpreting and establishing relevance of Jain principles and philosophy in contemporary times has come from Acharya Tulsi and his successor Acharya Mahapragya from the Terapanth Swetambar sect, Acharya Vidyanandji and Acharya Vidyasagarji from the Digambar sect, Sthanakvasi Pattadhar Acharya Devendra Muni and Acharya Shiv muni, Songarh Acharya Kanji Swami, Srimad Rajchandra, Acharya Chandanaji, Gyanmati Mataji and Sadhvi Kanak Prabhaji. Acharya Chandanaji's VEERAYATAN movement has successfully put focus on serving the poor and the needy and in participating in disaster relief efforts.
Acharya Sushilkumarji, originally from the Sthanakvasi sect and Gurudev Chitrabhanuji chose to break the conduct rules of the monks and traveled abroad to spread the message of Jainism. Both have made distinguished contribution towards Jainisms global spread and impact inter-alia by popularizing techniques of yoga and meditation as well as vegetarianism. Acharya Sushilkumarji pioneered the establishment of SIDDHACHALAM in New Jersey in U.S.A. as a pilgrimage center (Tirth) jointly for all the Jain sects and traditions. It is welcome that all over U.S.A. and Canada, Jain temples have followed that tradition which has served to keep the Jain community abroad united and cohesive.
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A Portrait of Jain Religion