Vijaydharmasuri

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

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JAINISM, ANCIENT AND MODERN
VĪRA-TATTVA-PRAKĀSHAKA MANDALA Curiously enough, to the general public in India Jainism—this most eminent faith-has become little more than a mere name, and even the most assiduous students of Indian Religions oftentimes fail to give it its due attention. In order to remedy this evil, and to supply the long-felt want, Vijaya Dharma Sūri has brought into existence in Bombay an Association called the Vira-Tattva-Pralcāshaka-Mandala, the object of which is to carry out work of a propagandist character on advanced lines, in order to further the cause of the faith of Lord Mahāvīra. In founding this institution Vijaya Dharma Süri aims at spreading the light of Jainism throughout the length and breadth of India by the agency of trained preachers, who shall devote themselves to the service of the religion with a true missionary spirit. The importance of this Association can hardly be exaggerated. Not only will it afford Jain scholars and other students interested in the study of Jain literature a common meeting-ground to discuss and devise the ways and means of reviving, promoting and disseminating the various branches of the Jain literature, but it will also lead to a scientific study of the literature, breeding a truly critical spirit as well as a spirit of research, which will enrich the literature itself and remove from the minds of scholars of other Indian communities many misconceptions regarding the Jainas and their faith. May this Association,