Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

Page 76

Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
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ELIMINATION OF DOGMATISM Sacrifice of blind dogmas and sectarianism
Shrimad Rajchandra had imbibed the Vaishnav faith from the teachings of his grandfather, Panchanbhai, and learnt the tenets of Jain faith from his mother Devma. At the same time, he had gained the respect of people of all faiths in his village of Vavaniya.
Those who seek salvation are unaffected by differences in various religions and sects. They view all religious differences as merely the difference in perception and not variations in the fundamental truth. Shrimad says, “You may have faith in any religion, that does not concern me. However, the essence of what I say is to remember to follow only that faith, that path and that conduct which leads to the destruction of the influences of the materialist world."
This approach of Shrimad is aptly reflected in an event in his life. A very close and intimate relationship had developed between Shrimad and Saubhagbhai of Sayla. This intimate relationship greatly benefited Saubhagbhai in ascending the ladder of spirituality. On one occasion when Shrimad was staying at Saubhagbhai’s home, Saubhagbhai’s wife, Ratanba, was on her way to the temple to perform her routine religious rites. Shrimad called out to her and asked where she was going. Ratanba replied, “I am going to the temple to performing puja (a daily ritual).” Shrimad asked, “Why not perform those in a mosque?” Hearing this from Shrimad, Ratanba replied in a trademark Saurashtrian tone, “Only Raichand (his childhood name) Mehta is capable to jest like this in such matters.” Shrimad was giving Ratanba a lesson in giving up her dogmatic approach to religious practises. He was trying to