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TULSI-PRAJNA Jan.-March, 1992
the organisation of the J.S. Terapanthis, the working of which I have observed with my own eyes when I was present at the meeting of Sadhus and Mahāsatis, of Shravaks and Shrävikäs under the guidance of your venerable head Guru, the Pujyaji Mahārāj. It so happened that during my presence in Ladnun, the ordination of a man and his wife took place and I could witness the ceremony. Moreover, on this very morning I have been present at a frar (i.e., the public examination of Sadhus). Thus I have been able to form a correct idea of the instructions and the religious life of the J.S. Terapanthis, about whom so little is known to the public in Europe and America. I may say, that thanks to the readiness of all to give me information, the purpose of my visit to Ladnun has been entirely fulfilled and that I am now in a position, wherever an occasion offers, to speak with authority about the J.S. Terapanthis and their religion.
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Before I conclude, I should like to make another remark. 1 have been told that the Terapanthi's, like the other sections of the Jain Church, make efforts to improve the education of their youth. Now I would direct your attention to one point. I have met many Jains who had a full command of the English language but very few who have mastered even the elements of Sanskrit, the learned lan
guage of their Own country. In my opinion, which I hope
is shared by most of you, it should be the duty of every educated Jain to learn Sanskrit, not to pass an examination in that language, but to be able to read the works of their own literature. Of course for that purpose, you should not study Sanskrit as the Pandits teach it. The niceties of grammar are not wanted by one, who learns Sanskrit, to read books written in an easy style. What is wanted is the knowledge of the rudiments of grammar, declination, the verbal system and compounds and the principal means to reach the aim will be to read easy texts, not difficult ones; and to read extensively and not only small portions and selected specimens. It will be necessary to fix the method to be employed in the schools to be founded. You must settle these principles in conjunction with all the sections of Jains. Swetambers and Digambers, Sthānakvāsins and Terapanthis must forget their quarrels and devise together the plan for the higher Jain education. By united efforts only you will be able to come to satisfactory results.
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