Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

Page 29

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Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
ethics and worries about how his or her condition would be they were to lose all wealth or authority. One sows weeds and expects to reap mangoes.
Hoarding possessions is the root cause of all evil and the breeding ground for all kinds of fear. It has been rightfully said in the great Jain canon, Sutrakrutang', that:
नत्थि एरिसो पासो पडिबंधो अस्थि । सव्व जीवाणं सव्वलोए ।।
There is no bigger trap or cause for bondage for the souls of this universe than the hoarding
of possessions.
A very heart touching and insightful incident in Shrimad's life emphasises the idea of how fear for material possessions can carve a place in one's own consciousness. Motilal Bhavsar, an aspirant from Nadiad, had been asked to locate a secluded place on the outskirts of Nadiad for a spiritual retreat. He found a bungalow in the village of Uttarsanda, close to Nadiad. Motilal also had the responsibility of attending to Shrimad's needs during the retreat.
Motilal would bring Shrimad's meal from Nadiad. Shrimad ate a very simple meal of flat bread and cooked vegetables, occasionally a little rice. He ate just once a day and there was to be no water or oil in his food. His roti was prepared using milk.
Once, when Motilal was about to leave, Shrimad asked him “Are you concerned about the ring and bracelet you wear on your journey to and from Nadiad?” Shrimad had already read Motilal's mind before Motilal answered. He replied, “Yes, I am concerned for these; I am afraid of being attacked by thieves.” Shrimad