Book Title: Jainism The Cosmic Vision
Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: UK Mahavir Foundation London

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Page 268
________________ The Agam Vani in the Teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra facting compassionate towards the invisible ones. And that too at the age of seven ? In the beginning, he was a Vaishnavait but he was initiated into Jainism by his mother Devba. He felt compassion for the invisible souls when he saw his mother performing pratikraman (Penitential retreat) Jainism inculcated in him non-violence, compassion and sensitivity. His ideal, while a child, was Mahavira and he set out on the path of renunciation. For him Bhagwan Mahavira's sermons were a source of inspiration and his devotion towards him become his goal. He had studied many a religious text. He was a diamond merchant and his transactions amounted to lakhs of rupees. When he found time, he would read Agams (Scripture). Gandhiji was surprised to find him engrossed in business on the one hand to earn his living, and on the other hand he drank deep from the ocean of Agams and other religious scriptures. In fact, he was introspecting all the time. Externally, it appeared that he was a hardcore businessman but his inner being had set its eyes on the path of salvation. Shrimad Rajchandra studied not only Jain scriptures but others too. His favourite was Yogvashishta. Bhagwad Gita was the first book he gave to Mahatma Gandhiji, when Gandhi faced a spiritual crisis in his life. He had even read the Bible and the Old Testament. One who sees the world beyond the physical world can only realise the true essence of religion. He pored over such Jain texts as Adhyatmakalpadrum, Adhyatmasar, Kartikeyanupreksha, Yogadrashti Samacchihaya, Samaysar and Sanmati Tark. His speeches were replete with 251 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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