Influence Of Jainism On Mahatma Gandhi

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust

Page 16

Religious differences always bored him and he seldom involved himself in them. He would study the special traits of all religions and would present them to others. I got the same thing from him in my correspondence from South Africa.
In Raichandbhai's view, there is no need for anyone to relinquish his or her religion or belief. Whilst following ones own religion, one can be liberated. To achieve liberation is to totally shed passions and aversions.
In my two years of very close association with him, I noted that he never deviated from the detachment which shines through the verses of *Apurva Avsar'. The most remarkable feature of all his writing is that he only wrote what he had really experienced - there is no artificiality or falseness. I have never seen him add even one extra line to impress someone. He would always have with him some scripturs and a notebook. He would make a note of all his thoughts. Sometimes he would write prose and at other times it might be a poem. 'Apurva Avsar' was probably composed in this manner.
Whether eating, sitting or sleeping, in all that he did, there was always a detachment. I have never seen him drawn towards wealth or worldly grandeur.
Such extra ordinary memory, such knowledge and such adoration from all those around him attracted me towards him. You cannot acquire such a memory in school, true knowledge can be acquired from a 'self realise person if there is a desire and a genuine thirst. To earn respect you do not have to go to England or anywhere else for, if your virtues deserve respect, you will be respected. I learnt this fundamental lesson immediately on my arrival in Mumbai.
I always felt that his writings were a genuine reflection of truth. He never wrote even a single letter merely to display his knowledge. His objective was to share with the reader the joy of the Soul. I am confident that any individual, whether a Hindu or of any other faith, if he genuinely wants to end the Soul's suffering or is keen to know the main purpose of life, would find much in Kavishri's writings.
My association with Kavishri lasted for a long time. Some people do have a sharp memory but there is no need to be overwhelmed by it. You see many people with very good academic knowledge but this knowledge is worthless if there is no accompanying culture. Powerful memory together with wide learning are only worthwhile if accompanied by cultural virtues, and they only can bring glory to the world. Kavishri was learned and cultured.
During his last days, Shrimad Rajchandra suffered intense physical pain; but this did not bother him, for he was far more concerned with seeing the Divine
Influence of
Jainism on 28 Mahatma Gandhi
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