Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

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Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
universal love, tranquility and detachment. Pain affects the body. External physical and mental troubles torment the body. The desire for external happiness tortures the body. Disharmony spreads in the body and negative emotions of enmity and violence take root inside. However, once the attachment to the body vanishes, all external troubles dissipate.
Mahatma Gandhi sent twenty-seven questions on various aspects of spirituality to Shrimad from Durban, South Africa. These questions were drafted logically and with a clarity that only a barrister could muster. In his twenty-seventh question, Gandhi asked: "If a snake tries to attack me and I do not possess the means to scare it away, then should I wait to be bitten or should I attempt to kill it?”
Shrimad's response was balanced between the mortality of the human body and the importance of the interest of one's soul. He replied, "If I tell you that you should let the snake bite you, then it may cause you concern. But if you have realised within you, the momentary nature of the human body and that it is not eternal, then for the protection of that temporary body, would it be right to kill the snake that loves its life? The one who has the best interest of his soul, should surely let his body pass away in such a case. But what if one does not care about the spiritual progress of his soul, then what should one do? For such a person, killing the snake would certainly lead to great suffering in hell, so how can they be advised to kill the snake? Where unworthiness exists, there, killing the snake can be considered. But for you and me, all we wish is that such a heinous act may not occur even in a dream.”
A total detachment to the body is of utmost importance for the progress of the soul. One can see such tranquility and equanimity through Bhagwan Mahavir’s life as well, such as his