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That which is non-violence, self restraint and austerity is Dharma (spiritual values). It is by virtue of spiritual values that supreme beneficence results. To him whose mind is absorbed in spiritual values even gods (heavenly beings) bow down to their feet.
Practicing nonviolence / Ahimsa, self-restraint or awareness / carefulness in not causing harm to any living being including the oneself also and austerities / penance enables one to achieve the highest goal i.e. bliss is the supreme religion / Dharma. This definition of Dharma is related to the conduct to be practiced by the followers.
Thus we see the basis of Swaraj emanating philosophically from Jain doctrine that equates Dharma and its definition as nature and means to attain pure soul state of Jainism. Gandhi translated this doctrine from practical viewpoint to remove the mundane worldly pains of fellow human beings.
Philosophy of Means and Ends
Another distinguishing quality of Gandhi that separates him from other political leaders was his insistence on the principle of purity of means as he did not believe in politics severed from spirituality or morality. While he realized that the end may depend on factors that were beyond one's control, the means were something that one could choose oneself. "We have always control over the means," he said in Young India of July 1924, "but not over the ends."168
He was led to this position by his early acceptance of Satya and Ahimsa, as twin moral absolutes and his consistent view of their relationship. We cannot get a rose through planting a noxious weed. "The means may be likened to a seed, the end to a tree; and there is just the same inviolable connection between the means and the end as there is between the seed and the tree."169 He said 'means are after all means'. I would say
Gandhi & Jainism | Pg. 189
