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 303

and his living was saintly without any attachment not only for a position, wealth, and fame but for his body. He was friendly to all. In 142 stanzas of the Atmasiddhi, he has taught the path, the way to self-realization i.e. the true meaning of life.
Rajchandra renounced the worldly life in 1899 after seeking permission from his mother and other family members. He lost weight very fast from 132 pounds to 45 pounds only while he was observing Santhara (pious rituals for end of life in Jainism) as per Jain vows. When he was lying on his deathbed in extreme agony, he was not mindful of his extreme pain and only eagerly awaited a vision of God." Even during this period, he used to give solace to his brother and family saying, Mansukh (his younger brother): ‘Be peaceful and composed, the soul is eternal. I am in deep meditation of my soul.' He died at a very young age of 33 only in 1901 AD. The admirers of Rajchandra started asserting that he was a Muktapurusha and the twenty fifth Tirthankara.?!
Rajchandra was a prominent Jain philosopher, practitioner and hence a true teacher. He left behind a rich spiritual legacy that shines to date. His life was his message and he served as a role model to many seekers of Truth, including Gandhi. As a memorial to him series of holy texts are being published. Also an Ashram in Agas was established in 1911 A. D. which has now become almost a village. His followers have set up a number of organizations throughout India and even abroad to propagate his legacy.
Thus anyone who looked up to his life, found that it was easier to control worldly yearnings, avoid sensual pleasures, live a life away from body needs, and devote concertedly to the spiritual
pursuits. 32
Pg.280 Gandhi & Jainism