Gandhi And Jainism

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

Page 82

He lived the life of self denial and self effort himself (e.g. cleaning the pots, Farm etc) even though he could have easily afforded a luxurious life. His entire struggle was based on the doctrine of Ahimsa. He never used brute/physical force to oppose the oppressor and always invoked his soul force by exercising self restraint. So doing he became stronger and tolerated the oppression patiently as truth prevails ultimately. Given below is an example is his reaction after pocketing insult from a meeting with Chamberlain:
'He (Chamberlain) had brought home to us on a gentle way the rule of might is right or the law of the sword. But sword we had none. We scarcely had the nerve and the muscle even to receive the sword cuts. 36
As a result, he became free from fear and became a greater proponent of Satyagraha as seen from his remarks in India later:
'I have no doubt that British government is a powerful government but I have no doubt that Satyagraha is a powerful sovereign remedy:37
He was quick to seek forgiveness for his violent behaviour (ex: he insisted that his wife also help her to clean the pots of foreign friends which she denied. Gandhi acted violently against her but finally apologised when she presented her pitiable condition).
He was always transparent in his efforts to mobilize public support for his movement. He forewarned the people about the dangers that lay ahead and to resist oppression/ hardships peacefully without retaliating or using brute force. He always experienced sufferings of oppressed himself by being one of them. His stay at Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm and travel by third class and on deck in ships are examples to this effect
Gandhi & Jainism
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