Gandhi And Jainism

SR No.: 007798
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shugan C Jain
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
Publication Year: 2017
Total Pages: 339
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 120 MB

Page 153

England with friends from different religions with whom he had trust and mailed a set to questions to them his friends."
Gandhi continued his spiritual and religious discussions with Rajchandra from South Africa through letters. He wrote to Rajchandra first in 1894 from South Africa seeking clarification to a number of issues concerning self realization, God, Avataras, purpose of life, religion etc. He made a questionnaire of 27 questions (these 27 questions and their answers by Rajchandra are given in Appendix-II). These questions are indeed revealing to understand the turmoil going on in Gandhi's mind and the impact of answers from Rajchandra (Gandhi always referred to him as Raychandbhai or Kavi) in firming up his beliefs on these issues.
Gandhi wrote two more subsequent letters to Rajchandra'. His second letter was written nine months later in which Rajchandra talks of six propositions (Padas). These six propositions (Padas) are i. Soul exists; ii. Soul is eternal; iii. Soul is doer of karmas; iv. Soul is enjoyer of the results of karmas; v. Soul can be liberated and vi. There is a way for soul to be liberated. It is interesting to see how Rajchandra addresses Gandhi in his three letters. It seems hardly a coincidence that Rajchandra made the same six propositions the basis of his long poem composed during 1895-96, Atma Siddhi, in which the true teacher answers all his pupil's doubts, to the latter's boundless delight. Stanza 127 (last) of Atma Siddhi indicates total impact on the pupil (perhaps Gandhi) of the teachings about the six propositions which is translated as 'by explaining the six Padas (spiritual steps or propositions), you have shown me the separateness of soul (from body), like the sword in the sheath, this has been an immeasurable favour to me. This is similar to stanza number 2 from the Samayika Patha by Amitgati written in 12th century AD that is also a prominent periodic recitation amongst Jains todate.
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