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Advanced: They observe greater restrictions on the vows indicated in the first two stages by observing the five minor and seven enhancing vows."
Gandhi advanced progressively from beginner to intermediate / votary and became spiritually awakened. During his stay in Bombay in September 1944, Gandhi expressed his desire to become an advanced Jain votary and monk to focus on self realization.74 The individual characteristics of a Jain votary are freedom from doubt in kindness/compassion to all creatures, freedom from possessive desires, becomes free from follies (superstitions) and develops virtuous dispositions of honesty, gratitude, forgiveness, modesty. The social characteristics of such a votary are not to hate a meritorious being owing to certain diseased bodily conditions and the like, develops universal love to all creatures to provide equal opportunities for progress to all, rehabilitates the fallen or misguided and to publicize the righteous creed/path.
Like a Jain votary, Gandhi's primary life mission was self realization i.e. to see God face to face / Atmadarshan / Moksha. He took the concept of Service to Indians as service to God and self realization. So his self suffering in South Africa, like taking beatings from the rail and coach staff, giving up his legal practice for livelihood and live the life of poverty, enduring the pains inflicted on him peacefully, offering selfless service to others, practice celibacy", fasting and simple vegetarianteetotaller diet, not eating after sunset, and their continuation in India, are the practices of a Jain votary" like Rajchandra. He stayed calm and composed (Samatva) even in the most adverse situations, and undertook fasting to enhance self restraint and self introspection (Atmadarshan).
Gandhi & Jainism
Pg. 151
