Letters To Vijayendrasuri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Letters to Vijayendrasuri," based on the provided content:

Book Title: Letters to Vijayendrasuri Author: Kashinath Sarak Publisher: Yashodharma Mandir Introduction: Dr. Raghu Vira Publication Year: 1960 (First Edition)

Overview:

"Letters to Vijayendrasuri" is a significant compilation of correspondence between the esteemed Jain Acharya Shri Vijayendrasuri and a vast array of international scholars, thinkers, and investigators in the field of Jainology. This collection showcases Acharya Vijayendrasuri's crucial role as a spiritual and scholarly bridge between the ancient Jain tradition and modern academic methodologies. The letters span a considerable period and feature contributions from numerous prominent figures who have since passed away.

Key Themes and Content:

• Scholarly Exchange: The core of the book is the exchange of letters, offering insights into research, discussions, and mutual respect between Acharya Vijayendrasuri and scholars from around the world. These discussions cover various aspects of Jainism, including its history, literature, philosophy, and practices.
• Global Reach of Jainology: The extensive list of contributors highlights the global interest in Jain studies during the early to mid-20th century. Scholars from Germany, the United States, Sweden, France, Italy, Norway, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Czechoslovakia are featured, demonstrating the international appeal and academic pursuit of Jainology.
• Acharya Vijayendrasuri's Role: The letters consistently portray Acharya Vijayendrasuri as a generous and knowledgeable resource, readily assisting researchers. He is recognized as a vital link for scholars seeking authentic information and guidance on Jainism. His contributions are described as invaluable to the advancement of modern Jain scholarship.
• Notable Contributors: The book includes correspondence from esteemed individuals such as:
  • Dr. Ludwig Alsdorf
  • Dr. Maurice Bloomfield
  • Dr. Jarl Charpentier
  • Dr. Franklin Edgerton
  • Dr. L. Finot
  • Dr. Helmuth von Glasenapp
  • Dr. Johannes Hertel
  • Prof. E. W. Hopkins
  • Dr. Hermann Jacobi
  • Dr. Sten Konow
  • Prof. Ernest Leumann
  • Dr. Sylvain Levi
  • Prof. M. Winternitz
  • Count Leo Tolstoy (mentioning his interest in Jainism)
  • Dr. F. W. Thomas
  • And many others.
• Specific Research Topics: The letters touch upon various specific areas of Jain research, including:
  • The study of Apabhramsa literature.
  • Prakrit grammar and literature.
  • Jain manuscripts and their preservation.
  • The lives and teachings of Tirthankaras and Jain Acharyas (like Vijayadharma Suri).
  • Jain philosophy, including concepts like karma, soul, and liberation.
  • Jain ritual and temple practices.
  • The history of Jain communities and their cultural contributions.
  • The translation and critical analysis of Jain texts.
  • The debate on meat-eating in Jainism.
  • The geography and cosmology of Jainism.
• Personal and Professional Connections: Beyond academic discussions, the letters also reveal personal connections, expressions of well-being, and condolences, particularly after the passing of Acharya Vijayadharma Suri. They document the mutual respect and warmth shared between the Acharya and the scholars.
• Challenges in Scholarship: The correspondence also implicitly highlights the challenges faced in scholarly pursuits at the time, such as the difficulty in obtaining manuscripts, the cost of printing, and the impact of geopolitical events (like the World Wars) on academic communication and funding.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated "to all those who have worked in the field of Jainology," acknowledging the collective effort in advancing the understanding of this tradition.
• Memorialization: The publication itself serves as a tribute to Acharya Vijayendrasuri's work and to the many scholars who contributed to the field, some of whom are sadly no longer alive. It is also published in memory of Late Arvind B. Jhaveri.

Significance:

"Letters to Vijayendrasuri" offers a unique historical perspective on the development of Jainology as an academic discipline. It demonstrates the profound respect and intellectual curiosity that Jainism inspired globally, and it underscores the pivotal role of Acharya Vijayendrasuri in fostering this international scholarly dialogue. The collection is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Jain studies, comparative religion, and the cross-cultural exchange of knowledge.