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the description of Jain doctrine as the Science of detachment. The eleven observances Gandhi enforced for Ashramites (similar to monks in Jainism) are primarily the first five vows which are a mix of major and minor vows in Jainism. He tried to make adherence to these five vows as absolute on Ashramites, like Mahavratas for monks in Jainism.
The remaining six vows developed by him are the practice of the first five vows and his values to resolve social ills for which he used the expert advice of persons like Tolstoy, Ruskin, Gokhale and other similar people with whom he came in contact in person or through their writings. Thus he enlarged the practice of the first five vows by and for masses as well to bring them together in his movement to gain freedom for India. These observances also helped him ensure that the same was available to the lowest strata of Indian society for their betterment and enhanced self reliance.
Gandhi had Jain holy texts 87 always on his table and seized every opportunity to meet discuss and offer food to Jain monks till his death, perhaps indicating his respect to Jain monks, their way of life and his strong wish to attain self realization, like Rajchandra whom he observed very closely.
He called himself a Hindu. He also defined Hinduism as a grouping of all Indic religions with different shades of Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism as its components. This statement is based on the advice from Rajchandra to him to stay in the religion of his birth and do research and contemplations of their doctrine and concepts in light of his own experiences. As a result, he accepted Jain values acquired through Rajchandra primarily, reading Jain texts, contacts in community / families as seen in his interpretation of the Gita. He became a superior (Sadhak) Jain householder / votary. He even recommended to
Gandhi & Jainism Pg. 203
