Gandhi Before Gandhi

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

Page 78

GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
ought not to be indifferent in a certain way, but we should be indifferent to the faults of other people. Our business ought not to find fault with any other person; with regard to that fault we should only say that he has that fault and it would be well if he should improve his fault, but never try to make that fault greater and greater. Be charitable with regard to this, as Jesus was in the case of the woman who was taken in adultery. That the faults of other people ought not to be discussed or mentioned even, and this rule is practically put into force in India. When we think that a certain person is guilty and that his judgment is left to us, always think that he is to be raised and not lowered. Avoid such temptation even in thought. These four rules have always been taught to us; there is no hope of progress until these four thoughts become permanent in our minds. This state is right mental state. When we come into contact with other people we have to interact with them, with these virtues, which are to be learnt.
Let us see an example in our daily life, when one person meets another, suppose a conversation takes place between them, whom we will call A and B. A says, well Mr. B., "I think you are looking forty years old instead of thirty. How is that?" There is a change in that person's mental organism which makes him actually appear forty years old for the moment. If we call all people sinful they will feel always that they are so, and even if they are not sinful ordinary person will commit sins and be sinful to some degree from this suggestion.
But if we say that man is divine, that, we are a part of God, as Jesus said, then we, rise higher and higher towards our ideal.
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True idea of Hindu worship
I have borrowed from the Christian scriptures what was spoken from the mouth of Jesus and is called "New Commandment," but in truth it is
an old commandment, which in the beginning came from the lips and loving natures of our great prophets and teachers, and is not new to us, and is, therefore easily recognized. When the old and the new truth are appreciated and conformed to, then will come the stage to pass that vision of the ancient prophets and seers, in the daily opportunities and methods of man, the principle in the active work of what you call "co-operation," which is the first proof of brotherhood. From this point also we may certainly obtain some knowledge of that condition of perfect bliss for all souls and forever.
On this ground also we stand to learn and to know the purpose and the methods of true worship, that worship is not to a person, a mere existence who may be conserved as a supreme being only, but it extends to a holy, worthy, pure and perfected ones, who by this method have attained a perfect state and who by their example and virtues and the achievements of their austerities and devotions have made the way for us simple and sweet. We, the Jainists of India say everyday in our prayer:
"I worship all perfected souls, I worship all spiritual masters; I worship all spiritual instructors; I worship all holy men and women in the world." You