Vijaydharmasuri

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

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32 PREPARATION FOR A GREAT MISSION
HIS STUDIES So far Dharma Vijaya had had no opportunity to develop the seeds of his real vocation, which were lurking in the fertile, but uncultivated, soil of his mind. His intelligence was not dull, it was only dormant; and now the course of discipline and instruction ordained by the Brotherhood of Monks, the strictest observance of the monastic vows, prayers and penances, study and disputations, all combined to bring his vigorous dialectical and logical powers to the front. Stimulated by the example of his Guru, and under his kind and able guidance, Dharma Vijaya began to study the Pratikramana Sūtra, learned grammar and mastered the Sārasvata Chandrikā. He then obtained initiation into the study of the Sanskrit and Prākrit literatures, and began to master the Jaina Sūtras, the canonical texts of the Jain religion.
DEATH OF THE GURU Vriddhi Chandra was fully cognizant of the ability, intelligence and enthusiasm of his pupil and also of the great mental and moral capabilities that were latent in him. He watched with great satisfaction the marvellous progress of his young disciple. Unfortunately, he was not destined to live long, for he died in the year 1893, leaving behind him, among other disciples, his most esteemed pupil Dharma Vijaya. A nobler, a purer, a gentler, and a sweeter soul,-a soul more peaceful, more serene, and more constant in