Great Men's Views on Jainism

"In conclusion let me assert my conviction that Jainism is an
original system, quite distinct and independent from all others;
and that therefore it is of great importance for the study of
philosophical thoughts and religious life in ancient India."

-Dr. Herman Jacobi
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"What would be the condition of the Indian Sanskrit literature if the
contribution of the Jains were removed? The more I study Jain
literature the more happy and wonder struck I am."

- Dr. Hertel, Germany
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"Jainism is of a very high order. Its important teachings are based
upon science. The more the scientific knowledge advances the more
that Jain teachings will be proven."

-L. P. Tessetori, Italy
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"I adore so greatly the principles of the Jain religion, that I would
like to be reborn in a Jain community."

- George Bernard Shaw
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"Lofty ideas and high ascetic practices are found in Jainism. It is
impossible to know the beginning of Jainism."

- Major-General Forlong
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"The Jains have written great masterpieces only for the benefit of
the world."

- Dr. Hertel, Germany
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"I say with conviction that the doctrine for which the name of Lord
Mahavir is glorified nowadays is the doctrine of Ahimsa. If anyone
has practiced to the fullest extent and has propagated most the
doctrine of Ahimsa, it was Lord Mahavira."

-Mahatma Gandhi
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"I am not Rama. I have no desire for material things. Like Jina I
want to establish peace within myself."

- Yoga Vasishta, Chapter 15, Sloka 8 the saying of Rama
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"O Arhan! You are equipped with the arrow of Vastuswarpa, the law of
teaching, and the ornaments of the four infinite qualities. O Arhan!
You have attained omniscient knowledge in which the universe is
reflected. O Arhan! You are the protector of all the Souls (Jivas) in
the world. O Arhan! The destroyer of kama (lust)! There is no strong
person equal to you."

- Yajur Veda, Chapter 19, Mantra 14
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"Mahavira proclaimed in India that religion is a reality and not a
mere social convention. It is really true that salvation can not be
had by merely observing external ceremonies. Religion cannot make any
difference between man and man."

- Dr. Rabindranath Tagore
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"We learn from scriptures (Sashtras) and commentaries that Jainism is
existing from beginningless time. This fact is indisputable and free
from difference of opinion. There is much historical evidence on this
point."

- Lokamanya Bala Gangadhar Tilak
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"Jainism has contributed to the world the sublime doctrine of Ahimsa.
No other religion has emphasized the importance of Ahimsa and carried
its practice to the extent that Jainism has done. Jainism deserves to
become the universal religion because of its Ahimsa doctrine."

- Justice Ranglekar, Bombay High Court
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"The Jain Sadhu leads a life which is praised by all. He practices
the vratas and rites strictly and shows to the world the way one has
to go in order to realize the atma (soul). Even the life of a Jain
householder is so faultless that India should be proud of him."

- Dr. Satischandra Vidhya Bhushan
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"The right of welcoming the delegates of the universal peace
organization belongs to the Jains only. Because Ahimsa alone
contributes to the establishment of universal peace. Tirthankaras,
the propounders of Jainism, preached to the world the Ahimsa
doctrine. Therefore, who else except the followers of Bhagavan
Parsvanath and Mahavira can preach universal peace?"

- Dr. Radha Vinodpal
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"There is nothing wonderful in my saying that Jainism was in
existence long before the Vedas were composed."

-Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
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-"Truly speaking, Jainism is an independent and original religion,
for it is neither Hinduism nor Vedic religion, but of course it is an
aspect of Indian life, culture, and philosophy."

-Shri Jawaharlal Nehru