Chitrabhanu Man with Vision

SR No.: 001808
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Clare Rosenfield
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Centre New York
Total Pages: 326
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Biography
File Size: 24 MB

Page 70

“At first I had doubts. I questioned him, 'How would I be able to succeed? They have swords and weapons and power on their side, and we are but a handful of bones and flesh!"
. ""Never underestimate the power of maitri, of love,' Raychandbhai answered. 'One day you will be able to open their hearts and unlock their door. But first you have to be convinced through and through. If you have a single doubt, that doubt will eat away at your effort and destroy it."
“So I meditated at Sabarmati Ashram for six months only to observe this in my practice. I questioned myself, 'Do I believe in non-violence or not? Lip service will not be enough.' I went on clearing my consciousness and receiving guidance from Raychandbhai until one day I knew without a trace of a doubt that I was ready. It was as if every inch of me was able to stand up and say, 'I am ready to extinguish the fire of violence.'
Rup was moved by the manner in which Gandhiji lived what he believed. He observed with his own eyes on many occasions how he extended reverence and love to both rich and poor, to Moslem and Hindu, to Indian and British. Sometimes he happened to be there when he could witness Gandhiji cleaning a latrine with his own hands or calming down a mob of angry villagers. At times he saw him embrace so-called ‘untouchables' whom he renamed 'Harijan' or 'children of God.' Sometimes he caught sight of him sitting absorbed in prayer.
Through close contact with this man who opened his heart to all, Rup enlarged his own heart. He began to know from experience what was meant by putting oneself in the place of another.
ment? For anyone who desires his spiritual welfare, the best course is to let his body perish in such circumstances. But how should a person who does not desire spiritual welfare behave? My only reply to such a question is, how can I advise such a person that he should pass through hell and similar worlds, that is, that he should kill the snake? If the person lacks the development of a noble character, one may advise him to kill the snake, but we should wish that neither you nor I will even dream of being such a person."
The above is quoted in The Jaina Path of Purification, by Dr. Padmanabha, page 315.
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