Gandhi And Jainism

Author(s): Shugan C Jain
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 11

Gandhi always believed and practised Truth, Ahimsa and Self suffering himself. These were his biggest tools/weapons for selfrealization. He then asked his followers to do the same to alleviate theirs as well as their fellow countrymen's suffering. It is interesting to see how he translated these three in his life.
· Truth metaphysically is God. God is the inner self without all tainted emotions. To practise truth in day to day life implies not to lie and say things as they are, neither less nor more without causing hurt/pain to anyone, including the speaker. As per logic, Truth is multifaceted (literally infinite) and the doctrine of Anekantavada/many-ness is very important to explore Truth.
· Ahimsa implies non-hurting/non-killing anyone, including you, the agent. Its practice in day to day life means nonviolence, love, equanimity, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, friendship, help, sharing and so on.
Self-suffering implies developing an attitude of detachment (selflessness) and practically means to develop control on your sensual inclinations to limit your desires. In day to day interactions with others, it implies extending love to all and to perform Tapa/ penance to cleanse your soul/thoughts. In Jainism, tapa involves series of fasts and control of palate.
•
Gandhi's objective in life was to see and experience God face to face by saying that God is our pure soul that is free from delusion and attachment/ sensual or worldly wants. On the social front, he saw God in every living being and hence made service of his countrymen to achieve freedom from bondage /pain and suffering as his life mission. This is in line with Jain doctrine of Living beings help each other. His famous recitation 'Vaishnava janto te ne kahiye je peed parai jane re' or A godlike man is one, Who feels another's pain; Who shares another's sorrow, and pride does disdain; shows his sincere concern for the welfare of
X