Gandhi Before Gandhi

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

Page 132

GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
Authors' note
Yoga philosophy Few extracts on Yoga Philosophy
from Mr. Virchand Gandhi's lessons on this subject
All Indic religions and philosophies have this fourfold development i.e. Physical, Mental, Moral and Spiritual. In India there have been six such schools of thoughts. Each starts with a more or less rational demonstration of the universe and ends with a sublime code of ethics. The Yoga system is one of them.
This subject is vast and too immense. Volumes are written by ancient scholars on this subject. Our common belief is that Yoga has been very recently well received or recognized or influencing the Westerner, but the same teaching by Mr. Virchand Gandhi in the West about 110 yrs back proves the things otherwise. It clearly indicates the richness of our Yoga science and also the thirst which Westerner had even in those days. Though Mr Virchand Gandhi was Jain, his knowledge on Western philosophies and other Indian religions was commendable. To present Science of Yoga to west, it required latitudinarian attitude, close acquaintance with its tenets, constructive ingenuity and keenness to arrive at true judgment. Such qualities can not be measured in words. One needs to read and digest such treaties to experience its grandness. In his speech at Buddhi Vardhak Sabha, he at the end said, " Religion consists not only in knowledge but also in a holy life" A true religious man only can do true justice not only to his religion but also to all the religions of the world.
Yoga rules for eternal bliss
Yoga rules are laid down for acquiring eternal bliss and knowledge. The end result is Samadhi leading to Kaivalya. The soul has due illumination as to estrange itself from all relations with matter and its transformations. This is the summum bonum, the end and the aim of philosophy. Yoga and Samadhi are convertible terms, both meaning Vrtitti-tirodha or suppressions of transformation of thinking principle. This leads to the realization of self. Once the soul becomes the master of his mind it can produce amazing powers. The stages to achieve this are basically ethicospiritual practices and consist of Yama, Niyama, Asuna, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharna, Dhyana and Samadhi. Path is beset with thorns and brambles but if one passes through safely; you stand at the shore of eternal bliss and joy