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requires self-restraint (Sanyam) as one of the primary requirements. Unlike in other Indic religions, this vow in Jainism can be taken at any age.
Gandhi and Jainism!20 both believe that Truth, Non-stealing, Celibacy and Non-hoarding are essential to be nonviolent. Mahavira gave great importance and necessity of Brahmacharya to practice Ahimsa. He therefore extended the earlier practised Chaturyam (four fold) vows to five vows by dividing the vow of Aparigraha into chastity and Aparigraha. Similarly Gandhi made chastity an integral part of the code of conduct of Ashram life. He was of the firm opinion that the full potential of chastity could not be harnessed unless its observance was not extended to all the five sensory pleasures.
Gandhi's concept and practice of the vow of Brahmacharya was a result of Jain influence especially of the Rajchandra. Gandhi resolved thereupon that he would take the vow of Brahmacharya and have only pure and selfless relationship with his wife. It was however during Gandhi's participation in Zulu War, as ambulance corps, which had a sort of epiphany. Gandhi concluded that if a man is going to be truly devoted to a life of service towards others, he must lead a life of purity, free from desires and cravings. Such cravings and desires would interrupt his hope of being totally committed to serving others. Consequently, Gandhi took his famous vow of Brahmacharya and vowed to live a life of voluntary poverty. He had tried and failed to adhere to the vow at least twice before, but this time, his determination was unwavering. Further he changed his diet limited to simple, spice-less and, if possible uncooked food to enhance his practice of celibacy. 122
Gandhi's emphasis on controlling thought, word and deeds reflects the Jain influence on his intellectual and philosophical
Pg.168 Gandhi & Jainism
