Influence Of Jainism On Mahatma Gandhi

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

Page 17

In his remembrance, we think of the quality of fearlessness with which he brought to attention anything that was of spiritual value. Let us only fear for our conscience, let us beware, all the time, that we do not let this continual source of awareness suffer.
that young age his life's direction was one of detachment and equanimity. Even though he remained a house-holder and a businessman almost till the end of his life, yet his inner life was one of detachment.
Four lessons for us from his life are: 1) Focus on the eternal: 2) Candour in life and equal treatment to all; 3) Truth, and 4) a life full of Ahimsa.
I have read some of the letters he wrote just before his death and I have noticed these virtues in them. Let us remember these virtues and implement them in our lives.
We should try to study the infinite penance of Shrimad's life, and let us understand how he learned to worship the Soul alone. Thinking ourselves as humble as a little lamb and with our small effort, let us think of the consciousness reigning within us, become as strong as a lion, and make our lives meaningful."
Two outstanding virtues to be imbibed from Shrimad's life are his love for Truth and Ahimsa [Non-violence). His actions and conduct reflected what he believed to be true. His love for Ahimsa was because he was a Jain and also because it was inherent in his nature. Basic Ahimsa- which means not to harms even the smallest life-form and so on-(as understood by the Jains) but his Ahimsa did not stop there. If any human suffered any pain, Shrimad would also suffer in sympathy and because of this, he would become very detached from the material world.
His detached lifestyle is noticeable from his earliest days. He passed away at the young age of 33 years. His attitude of detachment can be seen in his writings at the age of 17 and 18. From
The relevance of Shrimad's teaching of detachment and the transitory nature of the material world become apparent when incidents like the one below take place.
Today's newspaper carried the news of the disappearance of a P&O steam ship called 'Arabia' at mid-sea. On board that ship were such worthy people as Mr Ratan Tata, a true gem of India, and Mr Jivraj Mehta. There is no trace of either of them. The concern for this loss has created a feeling of despair across the nation. I cannot even imagine how the families of the missing persons muse br feeling.
Shrimad had lived a life full of detachment. After hearing of such accidents one feels that only such a life full of detachment is worthwhile.
Influence of
Jainism on 30 Mahatma Gandhi
Influence of
Jainism on Mahatma Gandhi 31