________________
ST. Eda
hiq
chi FM-UA
Gimle Terrasse 5,
Oslo, March 21st 1936 My dear friend,
Many thanks for your kind letter. I was glad to hear that my review of Schubring's book gave you pleasure. It seems to me that Prof. Jacobi has done a great service to scholars in clearing up the much discussed question about meateating among Jainas. On the face of it, it has always seemed incredible to me that it had at any time, been allowed in a religion where ahimsa and also ascetism, play such a prominent role. But the explanations of the passages in the Sacred Writings which Jainas gave us were not satisfactory. Prof. Jacobi's short remarks, on the other hand make the whole matter clear. My reason for mentioning it was that I wanted to bring his explanation to the knowledge of so many scholars as possible. But there will still, no doubt, be people who stick to the old theory It is always difficult to do away with a false ditthi but in the end truth always prevail.
Many thanks also for kindly sending me the Jaina dharma nu utkrista swarup. The copy you sent me was however incomplete pp. 1-16 of the english text were missing, & instead pp. 17-32 were there in two copies, Gujarati I can only read with difficulty but I have tried to understand Sri Vijaya dharma's letter & as always in his case, I am filled with admiration & reverence.
I often remember the happy days I spent with you & other Jains in India, when my dear wife was still with me. I should love to renew my visit but I shall soon be too old. But I shall always think of you as a Kelyanamitra a leader on the common way towards truth. In this search we are all brothers & friends. With kindest regards, & all good wishes,
Yours sincerely, STEN KONOW
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
