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EXPONENT OF JAINISM TO THE WEST
Another special characteristic of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi's lectures on the Jain religion was that they did not deal in criticism of other religions. Free from sectarian preferences and prejudices, his impartial ideology is an apt expression of the Jain who practices Ahimsa in life and Anekanta in thoughts. His lectures were marked by a fusion of natural sentiments, profound study, and genuine enthusiasm. The lectures served to educate the American society regarding the salient features of Indian culture. Virchand Raghavji Gandhi is the author of The Yoga Philosophy, The Jain Philosophy and other books of which The Karma Philosophy may be regarded as his best contribution. In discussing the Jain doctrine of Karma in the book, the author reveals his profound devotion to studies and his awakened and discerning religious sentiments.
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Virchand Gandhi was not only a philosophical thinker but he also had the welfare of the nation at heart. There prevailed in America the belief that India was a country of tigers, serpents, magicians and the Kings. Christian missionaries also presented to foreign countries a distorted picture of the people in India. Vichand Gandhi made as great an effort as Vivekanand did to give to the people abroad the true perspective on India. Explaining the importance of Indian culture to foreigners, he said, "It is an astonishing fact that foreigners have been constantly attacking India and in the face of all those aggressions the soul of India has stood vital and watchful. Her conduct and religion are safe and the whole world looks at India with a steady gaze.
"Cultural distinctions, agriculture, art, artistic skill, literature, good conduct, means of knowledge and science, hospitality, feminism, love and respect-all these are found in India in quite a differnt form. If that culture was purchasable, England could have purchased it, adopted it. But it has not happened, it cannot happen.
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As early as in the year 1893 Virchand Gandhi talked of the economic and political freedom of India. He said to the American people,
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"India is at present under the foreign heel. She is independent in the field of religion but when India will be free, she will not invade any country in a violent manner.'
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Virchand Gandhi had a rare ability to see beyond the immediately visible world. He could see beyond this world, he could know
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