________________
Rajchandra's Influences on Gandhi
73
not sufficient that one would not look at a woman or man with lustful eyes, the animal passions have to be controlled even as to exclude the thought of sex and ultimately one could not entertain a carnal desire even in relation to one's own wife or husband. In this elevated state of brahmacharya, the husband and wife have to consider themselves as lifelong partners and friends and establish the relationship in this sense. A sinful touch, gesture, or word even in relation to one's spouse is a breach of the principle of brahmacharya. Brahmacharya also means a simultaneous soul-orientation and desire for moksha. Only a physical definition of brahmacharya is not enough."
Gandhi states that the observance of brahmacharya is also important for the protection of one's body, mind, and soul. He states: "Every day of the vow has taken me nearer the knowledge that in brahmacharya lies the protection of the body, the mind, and the soul. For brahmacharya was now no process of hard penance, it was a matter of consolation and joy. Every day revealed a fresh beauty in it."12 Gandhi advises that one should not unduly waste sexual energy for physical gratification, as the energy is an important resource and meant for fuller development of the body, mind, and soul.!3 Not only that, the misuse of sexual energy causes body to weaken and accounts for many diseases. Therefore, self-control is needed all the time and one should not let the mind go astray. At the same time, Gandhi mentions that one should not artificially suppress the sexual desires if mind keeps on going astray. But it is one thing to allow the mind to harbor impure thoughts and a different thing if the mind goes astray in spite of one's effort at self-control. Gandhi suggests that the mind can be controlled through abhyasu, 14 vairagya, 's and tapas." Victory, he says, in the end will be of one who refuses to cooperate with the mind in its evil wanderings.
Gandhi claims that in addition to the achieved greater selfcontrol and fewer passions, the vow of brahmacharya was also helpful for him in better discharge of his public responsibilities and more efficient implementation of the Satyagrahats struggles in South Africa and India. He advises
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
