Jaina Gazette 1928

The Jaina Gazette, Vol. XXIV, No. 1, published in January 1928, is a monthly periodical serving as the organ of the All-India Jaina Association. This issue features a diverse range of articles and sections dedicated to Jainism and related topics, aiming to educate and inform its readership.

Key Content and Themes:

• Editorial and Association Matters: The issue is edited by Ajit Prasada from Lucknow and C. S. Mallinath from Madras. It announces its monthly publication schedule and includes details on annual subscriptions and the office address in Madras. It also acknowledges support from donors and contributors.
• Prominent Articles:
  • Miss Subhadra Devi, Ph.D.: A biographical piece introduces Miss Subhadra Devi (Dr. Charlotte Krause), a German scholar who was born in Germany, studied various languages and philosophies, and eventually adopted Jainism after extensive study and travel in India. Her dedication to Jain studies, particularly her research on Gujarati Rasa-literature and compilation of an Old Gujarati dictionary, is highlighted.
  • Samara, The Governor of Tellingana by Umrao Singh Tank: This historical article focuses on Samara, a prominent Jaina figure from the fourteenth century, detailing his rise from a merchant family to a respected governor. It highlights his devotion to Dharma, philanthropic nature (including purchasing the freedom of 1,100,000 prisoners), and just administration, characterizing his rule as "Rama-rajya."
  • The Attributes of the Soul by Rickhab Dass: This article continues a discussion from previous issues, addressing objections raised by Mr. Mani Lal Vadi Lal regarding the nature of the soul, its bondage with matter, and the concept of Moksha. It delves into the Jaina theories of eternal bondage versus bondage at a particular time, and the distinction between natural and unnatural states of the soul.
  • Some Misconceptions Regarding Jainism by Champat Rai Jain, Vidyavaridhi, Barrister-at-law: This piece, presented as a letter to the editor of the Simla Times, addresses and refutes misconceptions about Jainism, particularly those attributed to a contributor named 'A.S.P.' The author clarifies points about the origin of Jainism (not a mere offshoot of Hinduism), the Jaina practice of non-injury (refuting a libelous claim about feeding vermin at the expense of others), the encouragement of suicide (clarifying the concept of Sallekhana), and the universality of spiritual liberation beyond caste.
  • Lord Mahavira (A great witness to Ahimsa) by Sadhu T. L. Vaswani: This article, an extract from a lecture, emphasizes Lord Mahavira's teachings on Ahimsa (non-violence) and its connection to knowledge. It highlights Mahavira's sayings like "Ahimsa is the condition of Knowledge" and "Regard all creatures as thyself and harm no one," linking these to the universal concept of interconnectedness and love.
  • Vardhamana Purana by Prof. R. Tattacharya, M.A., L.T.: This is a summary of a Kannada poem, detailing the previous births of Lord Mahavira's soul, tracing its journey through various existences, highlighting instances of asceticism, renunciation, and the consequences of actions (karma).
  • Jainism in Questions and Answers: This section continues an ongoing series, defining key Jaina concepts such as Dharma (observance), Anuprekshas (reflections), Parishaha-Jaya (conquest of suffering), and the causes and types of suffering, along with an explanation of Right Conduct and austerities (external and internal).
• Notes and News:
  • Happy New Year & Donations: The journal wishes its readers a happy new year and acknowledges donations received.
  • Dr. H. Von Glasenapp of Berlin in India: This segment reports on the visit of Professor Dr. Helmuth Von Glasenapp from Berlin, who was touring India to gain firsthand information about Jainism. It details his interviews with the editor, his visits to Jain centers like Madras, Bangalore, Sravana Belgola, and Delhi, and his lecture on Eastern Philosophy. It also mentions his potential appointment as a Reader at Calcutta University to lecture on Jainism and Indian thought.
• Advertisements: The journal includes several advertisements, notably for:
  • Jaina Study Books: A comprehensive list of books on various Jaina topics is provided, with prices.
  • Medicinal Products: Advertisements for Dr. G.B.'s Medicated Snuff, Kesari's Lodhra Women's Friend, Salam Misri Murabba Pharmacy, Atank Nigrah Pills, and Kusuma, highlighting their purported medicinal benefits.
  • The South Indian Humanitarian League, Madras: An appeal for support for this organization dedicated to the propagation of Ahimsa (non-violence) and vegetarianism.
  • Talisman and Charms: An astrologer from Colombo offers various talismans for success in different aspects of life.
  • Books on India and Indian Topics: A list of publications from The Jaina Gazette office, covering a wide range of subjects related to India.

In essence, the January 1928 issue of The Jaina Gazette aims to provide a multi-faceted perspective on Jainism, encompassing theological, philosophical, historical, and social aspects, alongside current events and intellectual discourse relevant to the Jain community. It also serves as a platform for promoting Jaina literature and related humanitarian causes.