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XVI
VIJAYA DHARMA SŪRI AS A MONK,
A SCHOLAR AND A PREACHER
FULFILLING THE EXALTED MISSION HOLDING and maintaining the religion as taught and preached by Lord Mahāvīra, Vijaya Dharma Sūri is endeavouring to raise it from its present degradation, ever seeking to give it back its lost knowledge, its lost powers. And what nobler work for the monk of to-day than to permeate his less-educated and lessenlightened brethren with the Ancient Wisdom? What nobler mission for the monk of the present day than to go forth after studying his own scriptures and teach the Ancient Learning with the authority and power that can only be wielded by one of the same faith with those whom he addresses? Known for his unrivalled knowledge of the Jaina Sūtras, the canonical texts of the Jain religion, Vijaya Dharma Sūri believes in the educational value and efficacy of the study of all religions, and is ever ready to learn and accept from them all that is good and true. He has shown the world how consistent are the teachings of Lord Mahāvīra with the noblest teachings of other faiths, with the essential truths of Religion, and how it is very largely owing to misconception and misrepresentation that His doctrines have come to be
