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Gandhi's Teachers : Rajchandrå Ravjibhai Mehta
behave? My only reply to such a question is, how can I advise such a person that he should pass through hell and similar worlds, that is, that he should kill the snake? If the person lacks the culture of Aryan' character, one may advise him to kill the snake, but we should wish that neither you nor I will even dream of being such a person.
Notes and References
1. To an English-knowing person, this translation may be
more readable. But it provides an overall meaning and sense of the communication. The other translation by Brahmachari Goverdhandas included in Chapter 4 is closer to the Gujarati version of the communication. Note 1: It is emphasized that most of Rajchandra's answers are based on Jain philosophy. See: Chapter 3 -
Jainism and Jain Goal of Life. 2. Atman or atma means soul. 3. Karta is the doer or creator. 4. Dlumination here means the dertermination of what it
truly is. 5. Ishvar is God as ruler of the universe. 6. Aishvarya ultimate power or wealth. 7. See: Chapter 4, footnote 19. 8. Tirthankars were self-realized souls, whose teachings
evolved into Jain philosophy. See: Chapter 3 - Jainism
and Jain Goal of Life. 9. Anadi is without a beginning. 10. Shastra is a scripture. 11. Here dharma is something which is beneficial and works
for the welfare of self and others. adharma is the
opposite. 12. This question is stated in the translation included in
Chapter 4. 13. This question was omitted in the translation included in
Chapter 4. 14. See: Chapter 3. foot note 21 and Chapter 4, footnote 39.
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