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Influence of Jainism on
10 Mahatma Gandhi
was the result of this book and which Gandhi pursued all through his life. Then he wrote three letters to Tolstoy in 1910 and in November, 1910 Tolstoy died. He, thus, did not have the good fortune to meet personally these two, but he met Rajchandra and that was the turning point in his life, and his impact lasting till the end.
Gandhiji's source of strength was spirituality and it was Rajchandra who strengthened his faith in spirituality. Gandhiji said that while in spiritual crisis, he used to take Rajchandra's help. Here is an instance of his 'spiritual crisis'.
In October 1893, Mr. Baker took Gandhiji to Wellington convention held in South Africa. He thought that the atmosphere at the convention and the deep religious awareness of the assembled people would create such a powerful impact on him that he would convert to Christianity. The convention lasted three days but it did not have the 'desired effect' on Gandhiji. On the other hand Abdulla Shaikh of South Africa wanted him to study Islam and discussed with him the niceties of Islam. Gandhiji began reading the English translation of Quran. He read Mohmmad's biography by Washington Arvige and Carlyle's penegyric of Mohmmad. He also read books on Jarthustra to know about Parsi religion. He entered into
correspondence, on Christianity, with his Christian friends in England and especially with Edward Matlad which continued for a long time. At that time Gandhiji was aware of the weaknesses of Hinduism. In order to resolve his mental confusion he sought clarifications from Rajchandra about the doubts that assailed him. These doubts were What is meant by soul? What is meant by God and whether it is He who controls the universe? What is moksha or salvation and whether it is possible to attain moksha? What is Aryadharma ? What is the relevance of Bhagwad Gita? He also raised questions about Christianity, The Bible, The old Testament, the incarnations of Krishna, Ram and Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, the Holy Trinity in the Hindu pantheon. He wrote letters to Rajchandra seeking his guidance and he tried his best to counsel him properly and clear his nagging doubts. Raichandbhai counselled him patience and wanted him to study Hinduism a little more deeply. He gave him a copy of Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, which, later, Gandhiji described as spiritual panacea. He also gave him Panchikaran, Maniratnamala, a chapter from Yogvashishtha and Shadadarshan Sammuchaya by Haribhadrasuri to read. Gandhi read these volumes besides Vachanamrut and Mokshamala by
Influence of
Jainism on
Mahatma Gandhi 11