Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

Page 79

Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
others emphasise practising of rituals, while others emphasise morality and humility. Some consider maintaining the physical body as their religion.
Shrimad studied these varying aspects minutely with their different underlying philosophies and thoughts. He observed that various spiritual leaders seemed to be holding similar objectives and ideals. Indeed, all of them preached 'peace' as the ultimate goal. This 'peace' meant rising above all external indulgences and residing within one's true self.
Shrimad had studied a great volume of religious books and recalling this, Mahatma Gandhi said, "He had no difficulty in understanding Sanskrit or Magadhi texts. He had studied Vedanta scriptures, Shrimad Bhagavata as well as the Gita. He had studied the Quran and also the Zand-Avast through their translations. He would make it a point to study whatever Jain scriptural books he could lay his hands on. Shrimad's power of comprehension was so incredible that he would need to read a book only once to understand it fully."
Shrimad's writings include reverential and devotional references of Jain saints like Shri Anandghanji, Upadhyayashri Yashovjijayji and Mahatma Banarasidasji. Along with these, he also referred with deep appreciation and respect to the great Hindu saint poets, Kabir and Narsinh Mehta. In Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrut, Letter 231, he writes "The devotion and divine love of Kabir and Narsinh Mehta were extraordinary, unparalleled, enthralling and without a trace of any desire. Despite their abject poverty and hardships, they did not desire or wish for anything from the Lord. They managed to make ends meet in the face of all adversity and this is what demonstrates their greatness. The Lord did fulfil their needs in times of their utmost perils however this
78