Influence Of Jainism On Mahatma Gandhi

SR No.: 034277
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust
Total Pages: 18
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 2 MB

Page 14

Of his experience at the first meeting with Shrimad, Gandhiji says:
The thing that did cast a spell over me was his wide knowledge of the scriptures, his spotless character and his burning passion for selfrealisation."
would always guide me with his innermost thoughts. Therefore in my moments of spiritual crisis, he was my refuge."
[From Gandhiji's 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth']
*Raichandbhai's commercial transactions numbered in hundreds and thousands. He was a connoisseur of pearls and diamonds. No business problem was too difficult for him. But all these things were not the centre around which his life revolved. It was the passion to know himself. The man who, immediately on completing his weighty business transactions, began to write about the hidden things of the spirit. He could evidently not be a businessman at all, but a real seeker of Truth. And I saw him thus absorbed in Godly pursuits in the midst of business, not once or twice, but very often."
["Satya Na Prayog" or the Story of My Experiments with Truth]
"While we are worldly souls, Shrimadji was not like us. While we may have to take many births hereafter, for Raichandbhai his present life may be the last. While we perhaps are running away from liberation, Raichandbhai was heading towards it with a tremendous speed. This speaks volumes of Raichandbhai's self effort."
[From Gandhiji's Pen-Picture of Shrimad Rajchandra)
(Note: At one stage Gandhiji was considering conversion of religion)
"... I asked a few fundamental questions on Hinduism to Shri Raichandbhai by post and his replies were so logical, so appealing and convincing that I regained my faith in Hinduism and I was saved from conversion of religion. From that moment onwards, my respect and admiration for Raichandbhai increased in leaps and bounds and I considered him to be my religious guide as long as he lived."
[From Gandhiji's Pen-Picture of Shrimad Rajchandra]
"I have since met many a religious leaders or teachers. I have tried to meet the heads of various faiths, and I must say that no one else has ever impressed me as much as Raichandbhai."
"His words had a profound impact on me. I
had great regard for his intellect and for his moral Influence of
uprightness. Deep down within me was the Jainism on 24 Mahatma Gandhill conviction that he would never lead me astray and
"He walked with a measured pace and it was clear to anyone watching him that he was Mahatma Gandh 25
Jainism on