Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal

Page 19

18
Shrimad Rajchandra's Life Sketch
ideals drew a lot of criticism from traditionalists. However, he remained unperturbed by such criticism.
Shrimad's very personality inspired detachment and his abilities were extraordinary. He preferred to stay away from the company of people and would instead seek solitude in forests and hills where he would spend time meditating or deep in contemplation and introspection. His austere conduct, detachment from material pleasures and comforts, consuming basic meals and his complete lack of desires, touched all who came into contact with him.
In all his numerous works, starting with ‘Mokshmala', Shrimad stressed that the ultimate path to liberation is the one preached by completely detached and enlightened souls, the veetrags; those without likes or dislikes. Throughout his life, he remained firm in this conviction. Stemming from this faith, he wrote:
“There is no sacred chant, mechanism, or medicine that can alleviate the sins; Apart from the words of the veetrags, there is certainly no other path.” “The nectar-filled words of the veetrags, are the roots of bliss of eternal peace; These words are indeed the antidote to end the wretched cycle of birth and death, the words that cowards cannot follow.”
Through every word of Shrimad, one can realise that he upheld the beliefs of Jainism without ever belittling any other faith or religion. Atmasiddhi Shastra is a great example of this. Shrimad had put aside all his mystical abilities such as recollection of his previous incarnations (Jatismaran Gnan), an extraordinary memory (Smruti Gnan), knowledge of astrology (Jyotish Gnan) etc., and only advocated treading the path of self-realisation.
Shrimad became a temple of solace for people of this world troubled by the trinity of sorrows of mental worries, bodily ills and