Jinamanjari 2001 04 No 23

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 68

Rajacandra, who was about the same age as Gandhi and was a very successful dealer of gems. He had a sharp intellect and a prodigious memory. In fact, he was reputed to be a shatavadhami; that is, someone who could attend to a hundred things at the same time. On learning of Raichand's special talent, Gandhi, with some trace of vanity in his English education, challenged Raichand to take a test. Gandhi compiled a list of words that he knew from various European languages and recited the list just once. Without a moment of hesitation, Raichand repeated the words exactly in the order in which Gandhi had recited.
As Gandhi came to know Raichand better, he discovered other special and unique attributes that this spiritual person. The sharp intellect of Raichand, his brilliant mind and prodigious memory alone could have easily inspired respect, but it was his deep spirituality that most inspired Gandhi. Raichand, himself a Jain, had a profound knowledge of not only the Jaina scriptures but also Veda, the Gita and the Bhagwat Purana. In addition, he had studied Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. He had a deep rooted respect for all religions. This is reflected in a letter by Rajacandra to Gandhi in which he wrote, "The Jaina system of thought does not insist on conformity to any formal religious dogma or creed and only sets forth an ideal, the ideal of the Jina, the one who conquered the self."
Although a person of great business acumen and a connoisseur of gems, Raichandbhai was truthful and honest to a fault. He was simple in his habits with a rare sense of detachment, serenity and contentment. He reflected an aura of purity and his voice had an unmatchable charm. His self-discipline, dignity and striving for spiritual perfection made a lasting impression on Gandhi. The life of Raichand has continued to inspire his many followers.
Gandhi's meeting with Raichandbhai was the beginning of a long association, but ended with the premature death of Raichånd at the young age of thirty-three. During the two years he spent in India before moving to South Africa, Gandhi eagerly sought the company of Raichand, not only to find a certain sense of fulfilment in his spirituality but also to leam from him the uplifting message of Jaina thought and religion. On moving to South Africa, Gandhi continued regular correspondence with Raichand who, from time to time, sent Gandhi books to read on religious thought.
Perhaps Gandhi's greatest assets was his open-mindedness and his constant struggle to find truth. These virtues propelled him towards Raichandbhai and helped him imbibe much of the distilled wisdom of this person and his singular qualities. On his association with