Vijaydharmasuri

Author(s): A J Sunavala
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Page 11

PREFATORY NOTE
The subject of this interesting memoir holds a position of great distinction and influence among the Jain community; and the reader will himself have the feeling of being in contact with a man of original force and character. But a few words may still help us in appreciating the significance of Vijaya Dharma Sūri's work.
There are not a few Jain Sādhus in India, presiding over their large or small communities, instructing and edifying their disciples, studying their cauonical texts, publishing editions of them or original works relating to them. Such pious and learned men have never been wanting among the Jains. Nor has there been a lack of loyal supporters who have liberally contributed what was desirable for the erection and maintenance of shrines and institutions or for literary enterprise. The practice of the community, which encourages a gradual assimilation of the laity to its ascetic leaders and which accords to the Sheth, or influential layman, a recognized position, has in this respect borne abundant fruit. But an inquirer would probably find that at the preseut time the cultivation and support of literary enterprise is unusually active among the Jains; and he would hardly be mistaken in attributing this in a large measure to the example of Vijaya Dharma Sūri.