Vijaydharmasuri

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

Page 52

46 THE SANĀTANA DHARMA MAHĀSABHĀ
so he sought to convert none, but tried to understand all; and, in offering to share the knowledge with which he was intrusted, he hoped to deepen every man's faith by adding to it reason and knowledge, by unveiling the common foundation which supports all religions.
THE MONK AND THE MAHĀRĀJA OF DARBHANGA
The Mahārāja of Darbhanga, who was present, was so much struck with the Monk's learning and eloquence that he invited him to his place of residence and asked him questions about Jainism and Buddhism. Dharma Vijaya explained to the Mahārāja the points of difference, and proved to his satisfaction that Jainism was older than, and independent of, Buddhism.
MAGADHA-THE MODERN BIHÄR
Dharma Vijaya now contemplated a resumption of his peregrinations, in order to preach and scatter the peaceful evangel of the Jina in other places. He had before his mind the vision of the great Āchāryas who had crossed the plains of Hindustan in all directions to preach and propagate their religion. He thought of Magadha, the modern Bihar,-the country sacred in history as the land of Lord Mahāvīra's birth and of his renunciation, the scene of his activities, the place where he preached and attained omniscience and Moksha-the country in which, except a few places of antiquarian interest, nothing now remains to record the ancient faith. Before the end of the year