Wave of Bliss

Author(s): N P Jain
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Centre

Page 95

CHAPTER VII
A PIONEER SHOWS THE WAY
In the pre-Indian independence era, knowledge and information about Indian philosophy and religions were not projected in any dynamic, vibrant or sustained manner to the world outside. Swami Vivekananda, Virchand Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi shine out as star performers who travelled abroad widely and spoke with eloquence, knowledge and conviction about Indian philosophy of non-violence and the Indian way of life.
The successful non-violent struggle for independence led by Mahatma Gandhi made a deep impact on the minds and hearts of people in different continents. In a world grown weary of wars and conflicts, use of non-violence by Mahatma Gandhi came as a beaconlight.
That Mahatma Gandhi was since his child-hood influenced by teachings of Jain religion attracted interest in it abroad. Large number of Jains also began to travel and settle down abroad in Africa, U.K. and later in U.S.A. and Canada and some of them took with them their adherence to the principles and practices of Jain religion, but there was no teacher to guide with practice and inspire them to a sustained exploration of its riches.
In the past, information and knowledge about Jainism in foreign countries was sporadic through speeches on
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