Gandhi Before Gandhi

Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Priti Shah
Publisher: Jain Academy Educational Research Center Promotion Trust Mumbai

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GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
crescent represents the omniscient state of the soul when it has attained full consciousness, is liberated, and lives apart from matter. The interpretation, according to the Jain view of the cross, has nothing to do with the male and female principles. Ideas based upon sex is lowest even on the emotional plane can never rise the person higher in spirituality.
The Jains make the Swastika sign when they entered the temple or worship. This sign reminds us of the great principles represented by the three jewels and by which we are to reach the ultimate good. This symbol intensifies our thoughts and makes them more permanent.
Mr. Gandhi said the Jains make the sign of the Swastika as frequently and deftly as the Roman Catholics make the sign of the cross. It is not confined to the temple nor to the priests or monks. Whenever or wherever a benediction or blessing is given, the Swastika is used. Figs. 34 a,b,c forma series showing how it is made. A handful of rice, meal, flour, sugar, salt, or any similar substance, is spread over a circular space, say, Three inches in diameter and one-eight of an inch deep (fig. 34a), then commence at the outside of the circle (fig. 34b), on its upper or farther left-hand corner, and draw the finger through the meal just to the left of the center, halfway or more to the opposite or near edge of the circle (1), then again to the right (2), then upward (3), finally to the left where it joins with the first mark (4) The ends are swept outward, the dots and crescent are put in above, and the sign is complete (fig. 34c).
Fig. 34c THE FORMATION OF THE SAIN SWASTIKA-THIRD STAGE Ends turned out, typifying animal, human, and celestial life, as shown in fig. 33
liberation, which is represented by the crescent. The crescent has the form of the rising moon and is always growing larger. The circle in the crescent represents the omniscient state of the soul when it has attained full consciousness, is liberated, and lives apart from matter. Crescent has the form of the rising moon and is always growing larger. The circle in the
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