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The above discussions on his Quest for truth is in line with Jain view on empirical soul which is always trying to move upwards to achieve pure soul (Sat-chit-ananda) state through the practice of the institution of vows and penance continuously. In Jainism, the quest for Truth is called Moksamarga while Gandhi called it as Satyagraha.
Gandhi and the Jain Way of Life Before we start the analysis, we shall briefly visit the life of two most venerated Jains, namely Tirthankara Mahavira, the ruling Deity of Jains and Rajchandra, a householder and the spiritual refuge of Gandhi.
Mahavira was born as Vardhman in a princely family in 599BC. From an early age, he started contemplating on his own existence as well as the miseries of others. Accordingly he renounced the life of a householder at the age of 30 completely and went to forest for introspection and meditate on his inner self. He led the life of a recluse, lived at desolate and lonely places, and cultivated an attitude of detachment even to his body (Tyakta-deha) for a period of over twelve and half years. With forbearance, contentment, severe austerities and deep meditation; he endured all adversities, both natural and supernatural, that came his way whether caused by gods, men or beasts with compassion, detachment and equanimity. He took simple food only on 349 days. For the remaining 4166 days he observed fasts as a penance to annihilate the impurities tainted emotions and karmas) associated with his soul, rather than to gain worldly titles or achieving worldly objective. He was fearless, brave and patient. He used to observe fasts commencing from two days gradually going up to a fast lasting for six months for his self purification primarily but at times he used fasting to resolve some social ills like the women slavery. He attained omniscience at the age of 42 and Nirvana at the age of 72. His life was his
Pg.148 Gandhi & Jainism