Jaina Gazette 1936 02

This document is the February 1936 issue of "The Jaina Gazette," a monthly publication of the All-India Jain Association. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to the Jain community and broader societal issues of the time.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its content, organized by section:

1. Editorial and Publisher's Notes:

• The issue is dedicated to "Shree Yashovijayji."
• The Publisher appeals to overseas and Indian readers for feedback and subscription remittances, emphasizing punctuality in delivery and providing updated contact information (Ajit Ashram, Lucknow).
• The All-India Jaini Association (established 1899) is highlighted as a unifying institution for all Jain sects, with the aim of promoting Jain unity and propagation of Jainism. Membership details are provided.
• Several related publications are advertised, including "Yoga," "The Indian Naturopath," "Prasakthi Magazine," "The Kalpaka," "Biosophical Review," and "Young Builder."

2. Content Highlights:

• Mangalacharan: A prayer or auspicious opening.
• "Soul Sublimation" by Ajit Prasad: This is a detailed discussion of the Jina concept, defining a Jina as an embodied soul that has achieved superhuman powers and conquered inner "evil forces" like karma, desire, and passion. It emphasizes the realization of one's pure perfection and notes that the name "Jina" (meaning conqueror) is less important than the reality of the state. The text describes the physical aspects of a Jina (Arhat) as being free from bodily needs like hunger, thirst, or infirmity, and capable of uttering truth through a "letterless language." Worship is defined as a strong effort to attain this ideal state, not idolatry.
• Reviews:
  • "On World Fellowship" by C. R. Jain: The reviewer praises a 986-page volume compiling addresses and messages from the Second Parliament of Religions in Chicago (1933). While acknowledging the book's excellent presentation and the diversity of thought, the reviewer critically notes a lack of substantial gain and clear analysis from most speakers, with common themes of goodwill, sympathy, and toleration being repeated without practical solutions. The reviewer points out ongoing conflicts in India (Hindu-Muslim), religious differences (Protestant-Catholic), and societal issues (lynching) as evidence of the ineffectiveness of mere words. The Jaina perspective, presented in the book, is recommended as a basis for further discussion. The review also highlights an error in the summary of the Jaina contribution regarding the belief in a creator God.
  • "On Pourings," "The Reality of Life," "Wife," "Shakuntala" by Ajit Prasad (and others): These are brief reviews of several books.
    • "The Pourings of a Struggling Soul" by R. V. Shah contains poetic prose on themes of despair, hope, and spiritual aspiration.
    • "The Reality of Life" by R. V. Shah focuses on core thoughts like moving from darkness to light, the insignificance of life for the selfish, the endurance of truth, and the virtue of the learned over the wealthy.
    • "Wife" by R. V. Shah portrays the ideal Hindu wife, emphasizing chastity, spiritual enlightenment, and the importance of the home.
    • "The Message of Shakuntala" by R. V. Shah offers an English prose interpretation of Kalidasa's drama, including translated opening verses and advice for women.
• "At the Mother's Feet" & "The Parishad": This section reports on the All-India Digambar Jain Parishad meeting in Delhi. Key points include: a grand presidential procession, an impressive flag-hoisting ceremony, punctual proceedings, and a notable increase in lady attendees and speakers. The speeches by women were highlighted as effective, demonstrating their capacity for public discourse. The address by Chaudhari Jaggimal emphasized the Parishad's liberal policy and the need for renovating old relics and establishing an archaeological museum. A regret was expressed over the absence of a declaration endorsing inter-sub-caste marriages. A missing section from the President's address is noted with suspicion of deliberate omission.
• "Miss Shanti Mathur": A brief mention of her situation in Delhi, with limited newspaper coverage.
• "Another Rebirth": A story from "Jayaji Pratap" about a girl claiming memories of a previous birth and husband.
• "Quadruplets": News of a woman giving birth to four daughters in Germany.
• "Wedding Rings": A note on new regulations for wedding rings in Italy.
• "Congratulations": Commendations are extended to several individuals:
  • Sir S. M. Bapna for his knighthood and successful administration in Indore.
  • Sir Sahebji Maharaj for his unique personality and his work at Dayalbagh.
  • The Chief of Aundh for receiving the title of Raja.
  • Rai Sahib Madan Mohan Varma for recognition of his services as an educationist.
  • Pandit Baldeva Ram Dave for being made an M.B.E.
  • Dr. Kailash Nath Katju and Chaudhari Khaliqu-uz-zaman for their election as Chairmen of Municipal Boards.
  • Mr. Niranjan Prasad Jain and Mr. Virendra Singh Jain for becoming the first Jains to enter the Indian Army as Officers.
  • The Delhi Jain Sports Club for winning the Shambhoo Das Cup in cricket.
• "Obituary":
  • King George V: Announcement of his death and paying homage to the new King, Edward VIII.
  • Rudyard Kipling: Mention of his cremation with minimal ceremony.
  • Shapurji Saklatwala: Noted as a former Indian member of the British Parliament.
  • Dr. A. C. Woolner: Death of the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab University.
  • Lala Amin Chand Jain: His passing at 60, a pious Jain, with his firm donating Rs. 10,000 in his memory.
  • Lord Reading: A detailed biographical sketch of the former Viceroy of India, highlighting his career as a prominent lawyer, politician, and his tenure in India.
  • Seth Jamuna Lal Sah: His demise in Jaipur, with his son making donations in his memory.
• "Students' Sanctuary":
  • Convocation Address by Sir G. S. Bajpeyi: Emphasizes the need for universities to specialize and avoid duplication of subjects to maximize value from limited financial resources. He calls for better coordination among universities and selection of worthy students. He also stresses the importance of preserving India's intellectual heritage alongside modern scientific advancements.
  • Rt. Hon. Sir Sapru at Students' Conference: Discusses culture, defining it as a habit of mind rather than academic achievement. He criticizes universities for focusing on degrees and examination success, with professors prioritizing comfortable living and students seeking easy jobs. He highlights the practical approach to education in Europe and contrasts it with the Indian system, where educational merit is devalued by interviews, communal representation, and patronage, leading to widespread unemployment among graduates.
  • "Ways to Right Education": Dr. Arundale suggests that current education in India is more harmful than beneficial and refers to his book "Gods in the Becoming" for solutions.
  • "800 Teachers to Forego Salary": The Garhwal District Board's method of covering salary increases and promotions by asking teachers to take unpaid leave is mentioned, with a suggestion for universities to learn from this by reducing staff salaries.
• "Idealism" by H. Warren: The author reflects on Jain teachings about non-possession. Connecting it to Sir James Jeans' ideas about the subjective reality of the physical world, the author clarifies that while the physical world has objective reality, an individual's identification with their body, possessions, or relationships is the source of illusion and suffering. The essence of self is consciousness.
• "Eastern and Western Music": Mr. Anthonvis Klumper from Denmark discusses the evolution of Indian music from simple notes to complex ragas and raginis, praising the Indian tradition's freedom and subtle variations. He laments the decline of traditional instruments like the Vina and Sitar due to the harmonium and piano, urging Indian musicians to embrace their heritage.
• "An Interesting Point of Law" & "Another Interesting Point of Law": These sections discuss legal matters related to the Sikh Kirpan issue (the right to carry religious symbols versus public order regulations under the Arms Act and Cr. P.C.) and a case involving a marriage procession and the right to use conveyances through villages, raising questions about custom, law, and police authority.
• "Notes and News":
  • Aga Khan: His golden jubilee celebration and being weighed in gold, with the proceeds to be used for his community.
  • Jain Sadhus: A resolution passed in Lucknow condemning the desecration of a Jain Temple in Mahgaon, Gwalior State, and the burning of scriptures. A fast and closure of businesses were observed.
  • Atmanand Jain Gurukul, Punjab: Celebration of its 9th anniversary.
  • World Fellowship: Announcement of the Second Congress in London.
  • Indian Science Congress: Inaugurated by the Maharaja Holkar of Indore, who warned against losing Indian heritage and neglecting Ayurveda and Yoga.
  • Dayalbagh: Success of the Boy Scout's Mela.
  • Oriental Conference: Discussion on scientific translation of the Rig Veda and the principles involved.
  • A Night Rainbow: Observation of an unusual lunar rainbow.
  • Got a Son at 95: News of a 95-year-old man becoming a father.
  • Young at 60: Gandhiji's statement about viewing 60-year-olds as being in their prime.
  • 164 Years of Age: Report of a very old man in Bengal.

3. Index and Publications:

• An index to the previous year's (Vol. XXII) "Jaina Gazette" is provided.
• A list of "Standard Works on Jaina Philosophy" in the J. L. Jaini Memorial Series, published by the Central Jaina Publishing House, Ajitashram, Lucknow, is included, along with pricing and details of other Jain publications.

In essence, this issue of "The Jaina Gazette" serves as a historical snapshot, reflecting the concerns and activities of the Jain community in early 1936, while also engaging with broader intellectual, social, and political discourse of the time, particularly concerning education, religious fellowship, and legal matters.