Religion and Philosophy of the Jainas

Author(s): Virchand R Gandhi
Publisher: Jain International Ahmedabad

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INTRODUCTION
Virchand Raghavji Gandhi was one of the extraordinary Indians of his time. He represented Jainism at the Parliament of Religions held at Chicago in 1893. He impressed the American audience with his lofty ideas and simple living. He realised that Americans were eager to know Indian philosophy and culture. So he stayed in America for nearly three years. He made it his mission to disseminate and spread the knowledge of the Jaina philosophy and the wisdom of India. He delivered lectures in important cities like Chicago, Boston, New York, Washington, etc. Swami Vivekanand who was with him at the Parliament of Religions writes about him as follows : “This man never takes anything but mere vegetables even in this terribly cold climate, and tooth and nail tries to defend his countrymen and religion. The people of this country (America) like him very well." He was cordially received everywhere and his speeches left a very happy impression upon the minds of the American public. Then he left for England. There too he delivered many lectures at different centres. He lectured not only on the Jaina philosophy but also on the other systems of Indian philosophy. His discourses on the aspects of Indian culture were absorbing and full of wisdom. He made the American and the English realise the sublimity of Indian culture in general and the Jaina philosophy in particular. His lectures were considered by them to be the most elevating and instructive.
1. The Complete Works of Swami Vivekanand published by Advaita
Ashrama, 5, Delhi Entally Road, Calcutta 700 014, (Seventh Edition),
Vol. VII, p. 328-329. 2. His lectures on the systems of I dian philosophy have been published
in 1970 under the title "The Systems of Indian Philosophy' by Shri Mahavira Jaina Vidyalaya, August Kranti Marg, Bombay 400 036.