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 4

The first instance of the impact of Jainism in Gandhiji's life happened at the age of 19 when Gandhi sought his mother Putalibai's permission to go to England for further studies. Without her consent Gandhi would never think of leaving for foreign shores. Some whispered into his mother's ears that those going abroad would go the primrose path, falling prey to beef eating, carnal desires and drinking. Putalibai was confused and didn't know what to do. Nineteen year old Gandhi told his mother: "Have trust in me. I am not goint to cheat you. I say on oath that I shall abjure all these things." The mother responded : "I trust you but I am not sure what will happen in a far off country."
Putalibal, then, decided to see a jain sadhu Bechardasji Swami and seek his advice. Bechardasji was a bania by caste and had later converted to jainism. Putalibai had great faith in him. Bechardasji told her that he would make Gandhi take a vow and then there should be no problem. Gandhi took the oath before the jain monk Bechardasji to abstain from beef eating, drinking and even dalliance with women. Then she consented him to go abroad. This was the first instance in his life - a very decisive one-when he came into contact with a Jain sadhu.
An event in his life proved to be a
turning point in the young barrister's life and which also proved to be an important factor in turning this ordinary mortal into a Mahatma - a great soul. In the year 1891, the young barrister Gandhi returned to India from England. At that time he put up at Dr. Pranjivan Mehta's residence who was the brother of Revashankar Mehta. Revashankar Mehta was a close relative of Shrimad Rajchandra and was also a partner in his firm. Shrimad Rajchandra had also retumed the same day from Mumbai and he and Gandhi met for the first time. This accidental meeting later turned into an enduring bond which lasted till the death of Shrimad Rajchandra.
While Gandhi was in England, his mother Putalibai passed away but his elder brother had not informed him about the mother's demise. Gandhi was eager to see her and it was Shrimad Rajchandra who broke the news to him since, as per the custom, such sad news had to be revealed by an elderly person. Shrimad Rajchandra was nearly two years older to Gandhi. On hearing the news, Gandhi said: "The news of her death was a greater shock than the one felt on the death of my father." At that time Shrimad Rajchandra's fame as a Shatavadhani - one who can attend to a hundred tasks at a time — had spread far and wide. In 1887, on 12 January, ninteen-
Influence of
Jainism on Mahatma Gandhi
Influence of
Jainism on Mahatma Gandhi 5