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repeat back all the words spoken by Gandhi in the order uttered. That feat of Rajchandra impressed Gandhi, but he was in for greater surprise later due to Rajchandra's non-orthodox orientations, independence of thought, simple and detached life, wide knowledge of scriptures, spotless character and burning desire for soul liberation.14
However Rajchandra considered these capabilities as an obstruction to his practice of self-realization. Hence he did not continue with them further.
iii. Detached Life as a Householder At the age of twenty, he married Zabakbai, talented daughter of Popatlal Jagjiwan Das Mehta, the youngest brother of Revashankar Jagjiwan Das Mehta. He also consummated his marriage and raised family. In this alliance also, he said that it was done more due to wishes and insistence of family members. After one years of his marriage, he wrote "I do not have the slightest inclination to develop any attachment or aversion towards women. But I am married as a result of my past karmas” (Letter 78). In letter no. 113 after one year, he wrote, “After experiencing the intricacies of reality (Tattva), as a householder, he lived the life of a completely detached person and a true Mumukshu (Seeker of God). Once wrote in his diary: "Do your business in a spiritual manner and maintain unattached attitude. Do whatever is necessary for it. As far as possible, do not annoy the person you have to deal with and should your renunciation be unpleasant to him, part with him without harming him in any way, benefiting him to your utmost capacity, and nursing such desire forever for the future." About living the life of detached householder, he said, “Oh, there is nothing difficult in it. It is quite simple, just like sitting under the shadow of a tree, one, who sits under the cooling shade, does not get attached to it and
Pg.274 Gandhi & Jainism
