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Mahatma a great soul, and not merely a great leader. Although it may be tempting to compare the life and works of Gandhi, and the manner of his death, with those of his contemporaries such as Lenin, Stalin, Mao, and Hitler, yet, one must ask in such comparisons whether nonviolence, the spiritual life, the spirit of toleration of one's opponents, and faith in the efficacy of peaceful means to of settling disputes have a place in the modern world, or whether we should rely on unmitigated political violence to bring about change in society and in the hearts and minds of people.
As a political leader, Gandhi embodied a unique combination of political engagement and saintliness. Yet, unlike other saints, he did not keep himself aloof from the people; and unlike other politicians, he did not free himself from moral responsibilities. His character was a rare combination of religiosity, moral values, rationalism, intuition, open-mindedness, and firmness. He was a leader who valued ancient traditions with a practical attitude. Above all, he remained devoted to the practice of Selfimprovement and to the aim of achieving spiritual realization while working tirelessly to improve the material conditions of the masses.
Gandhi might not have been born as a Jain, yet his philosophy and values, actions / karmas do demonstrate a strong imprint of Jain philosophy and way of life that is visible although in his life.
Notes and References
1 My.Ex., op.cit, p. 317
2 My. Ex. 1,p. 311.
My.Ex.. 331-2
4 My.Ex. 1 p 353
My.Ex. 1, p.394
3
Pg.108 Gandhi & Jainism
