Gandhi And Jainism

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

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eleven vows, taught The Gita and wrote a detailed translation cum interpretation of the same. These two items will be discussed in details in Chapter V to show Jain imprint on his philosophy.
Chapter V: Roots & Routes, An Analysis: Gandhi claimed himself to be Vaishnava Hindu and later an untouchable. He also talks of Rajchandra and his profound influence on his spirituality and religious inclinations. He talked of The Gita as his solace in times of difficulty. In this chapter, an analysis is made to show Jain influence on his interpretation/translation of The Gita and the eleven vows which form the basis of his ethics.
Two appendices are added to the five chapters. The first appendix is on Jainism and Jain way of life to make the reader more familiar with the same. Jainism is a little known religion even though it is one of the oldest Indian religious traditions and Jains today account for less than 0.4% of India's population. Jain community is by and large non-violent, religious, peace loving, highly educated, prosperous and socially conscious community of India. Appendix II details Rajchandra who was a Jain householder votary and spiritualist simultaneously. He had a tremendous impact on Gandhi. Gandhi personally interacted and observed him as well as kept in touch with him through a series of letters. The particular letter containing 27 questions which Gandhi asked him to develop clarity in his thinking and philosophy. Later on, we have added Gandhi's own thoughts on Rajchandra. It was also felt that these two separate appendices on Jainism and Rajchandra will help in avoiding repetition in different chapters and to keep the flow of reading smooth.
The research methodology for this book delves around the classic theories of personality which generally hold the perspective that most personality development occurs in
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