Gandhi Before Gandhi

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

Page 42

GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
of Jesus Christ that I cannot duplicate a thousand times with even greater emphasis from the sacred books and teachings of our religion, antedating as they do the Christian era by thousands upon thousands of years. They have answers for all our instruction in spiritual worship, for the moralities of life and for all outward expressions of brotherhood to this day, evolving among us and before our eyes, devoted lives, spotless characters, gifted prophets, tireless regenerators, with whose names the white light of glorious-immortality ceaselessly shines. I ask you, my Christian brothers and sisters, to explain to me this truth of history; I ask you to account for all this which existed in the absence of your Christianity.
assured ultimate goal of triumph and perfect bliss. Induct it into the repose and blessedness of pure thought by educating the thinkable nature of the intellectual faculties. In one sentence, the method I advocate is that of selfrecognition-the education of all the faculties of body and of soul, devoutly recognizing responsibility to the Infinite or universal good. Such propagandas, would never fail to achieve success, would never fail to meet with responsive co-operation in all lands, among all people and would start forever make the process to make world better and better.
sarve bhavantu sukhinah
sarve Santu niramayah sarve bhadrani pasyantu ma kascidduhkhabhägbhavet
What then is the true and proper missionary method? It speaks itself. It is to recognize and build upon the undoubted and unquestionable truth which is found in all religions--the wide world over, even in our heathen religions of India. Instead of affirming universal depravity, change the diction and declare for universal goodness at bottom, and truth as the natural aspiration which is longing and desire of every human soul. Instead of basing regeneration, deliverance and liberation upon, the vicarious atonement of one or more Christ, affirm the right, the power, the privilege, the opportunity of every soul to assert itself by its own exertions, devotions, austerities and worship of the good, begin the ascent toward holiness, happiness and heaven. Dignify the present life by teaching its laws, its opportunities and its possible destinies. Exalt its worth by showing its origin in infinite wisdom and infinite goodness. Increase its pleasures by cultivating its intuitions, its intellectual and moral faculties. Lessen its burdens by recognizing its worth, by encouraging its worship of that which is good by pointing it towards the
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे शन्तु निरामयाः। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिदुःखभाग्भवेत्॥
Happiness be unto all. Perfect health be unto all.
May all see what is good. May all be free from suffering