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5
Preface
The first meeting between Shrimad Rajchandra and Mahatma Gandhi was an event that will be noted in world history. Gandhi met Shrimad Rajchandra on the very first day of his return from England as a barrister. A very close bond was established between the two during that meeting. A bond that continued to grow stronger when Gandhi began his legal practice in Mumbai during which Gandhi visited Rajchandra's shop frequently as his own practice was not busy. The two discussed spiritual matters. Gandhiji was profoundly impressed by Shrimad's simplicity, spirituality and intellectual brilliance. The inner and outer personalities of Rajchandra in particular impressed him as he saw no difference between the two. Gandhi's innate perception was drawn to Shrimad's sublime inner qualities.
Gandhiji at that time was in search of a true spiritual teacher and he found one in Rajchandra. He said, ‘Among Europe's philosophers I rank Tolstoy as number one and Ruskin at number two, but find Rajchandra superior to both.'
There was extensive correspondence between the two, however of the 200 or so letters exchanged only three have survived. Gandhi asked Shrimad numerous questions during his 'spiritual crisis.' We are fortunate that Rajchandra's letter answering 27 questions Gandhi had asked has survived. These 27 questions relate to God, salvation, rebirth, animals, Jesus Christ and much more. Rajchandra's answers demonstrate his sharp intellect and the experience of his inner self. These answers were so logical and convincing that Gandhi's faith in Hinduism was fully affirmed.
Excerpts from the chapter on 'Shrimad Rajchandra' from Gandhi's Autobiography and his impressions about Shrimad have been included in the present volume.
- Kumarpal Desai
