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Rajchandra's response to the twenty seven questions by Gandhi gave him a better picture of different religions. This was the period during which a number of influential Christians were trying to convert Gandhi to Christianity. A quick review of the responses by Rajchandra shows the definition of religion as narrated by Gandhi above and showing equality of all religions from different viewpoints. For example:
Definition of Arya Dharma (Answer to Q 8): Arya Dharma or noble path is one which enables the soul to realize its true nature, and rightly so.
Which religion is best? (Q 12): That religion alone is the best and is truly strong, which is helpful in destroying the bondage of worldly life and can establish us in the state which is our essence (realizing pure and peaceful state of being).
Validity of Holy Scripture (Bible) and Jesus being the son of God (Q14, 15): This is a matter of faith and cannot be proved rationally. Same is applicable to the Gita and other scriptures if claimed to be inspired by God.
Miracles shown by Jesus and other prophets (Q 16): Mastery of Yoga techniques enables a person to perform certain miracles and if it is claimed that Jesus had such powers, we cannot assert that this claim is true or false. Such yogic powers are of no consequence compared to the power of Atma, the latter is infinitely greater than the powers attained by Yoga.
He advised Gandhi to read Saddarshan-sammuchaya by Jainacharya Haribhadra which gives an excellent treatise on the six prevailing philosophies in India in 8th century AD. He even insisted that Gandhi should stay in the religion in which he was born and he could find everything told by Rajchandra and more in his religion as well.
Pg.196 | Gandhi & Jainism
