Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

Page 78

Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
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unnecessary differences and look within have gradually moved towards liberation in the past, are attaining liberation now and will continue to do so in future.”
The rise of sectarianism deeply pained Shrimad. He notes, “When I ask you to read the Jain scriptures, I do not wish to convert you to Jainism; when I recommend Vedic scriptures, I do not expect you to convert to Vedanta. My recommendations are not for conversion but for you to learn something. You should rid yourself of thoughts on differences between Jainism and Vedanta. The soul is above all that.”
This is how Shrimad highlighted that those engaging in dogmatism and sectarianism miss the true essence and purpose of religion. Such differences have existed since time immemorial and through the passage of time have evolved into different forms. Some of these dogmatic people are similar to one another, while others differ in their practises. Some talk of Vedanta, some of Jainsim, some talk of the Sankhya philosophy, while others practise Buddhism, Islam or Christianity. All these different practitioners claim that following them would lead the seeker to the ultimate salvation. In reality, one should not state that one religion is true whilst another is untrue.
Shrimad says, “For us, brahmins, vaishnavas and those who follow other religions are all equal. Those who claim to be Jains and are sectarian in approach are not desirable, those who ignore divisions are desirable.”
It would be inappropriate to say that one particular school of thought is the ultimate truth because by saying so one is implying that all other schools of thought are false. Every religion has been developed and stated according to differing circumstances, environments and preferences. Some religions emphasise devotion;