Gandhi And Jainism

Author(s): Shugan C Jain
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

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CHAPTER II
EXPLORING ROUTES 1888- 1893 PREPARATION AND BEGINNING OF AN
INDEPENDENT LIFE
At the age of nineteen, Gandhi relocated to England to complete his study of law at University College London. There he continued his experimentation to evaluate the values inherited in his childhood and prepare for life ahead. He completed his education there and returned to India to practice as a lawyer. His experience in India and meetings with Dr. Mehta on arrival, Virchand Gandhi and Raychandbhai later gave him a deeper insight in his understanding of the life in general and the meaning and process of self-realization simultaneously.
Preparing for England After passing high school in 1887, he went to Samal Das College in Bhavanagar primarily for reasons of economy and good quality of education. He found it tough to pursue the studies there due to high academic standard of the teachers. Mr Mavji Dave (aka Joshiji), a learned Brahmin and family adviser persuaded his family to send him to England for getting a Law degree so that he could prepare himself to succeed his father's Gaddi (Diwanship), a position traditionally held by family. Gandhi got disappointments to undertake this mission from family on socio-religious grounds as well as from the British administrator of the state (Gandhi was advised first to get a BA degree) seeking financial support. Finally he managed finances with the help of his elder brother. Before leaving India his mother asked him to seek permission of her spiritual guide, Jain monk Becharji Swami. Becharji Swami did bless Gandhi after administering the three vows of abstinence from wine, meat and sexual relations. Gandhi sailed from Bombay on 9th September 1988 for England with tight finances (family funds), three vows, little experience of life away from Porbandar and Rajkot.
Education in London (1888-91) The experience on boat to England was the precursor of life ahead. His vows to be vegetarian and abstinence from alcohol