Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

Page 82

Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
influenced the formation of such groups and opinions. These are the very reasons why some people stress upon certain aspects of religion while others stress upon other aspects. Some people have adapted religion to suit their comforts and conveniences whilst some have taken to rituals. Others take to penance as the primary tool, some take the path of wisdom while some adopt the path of devotion.
The objective of every seeker is to search for the eternal truth that is embedded in the school of thought he believes in and then follow that path to attain self-realisation. Such an objective cannot be accomplished if one sticks to their own rigid beliefs. Shrimad says, "There is no benefit in factionalism, factionalism is for the disillusioned. Factionalism is like a piece of iron which can neither float nor save one who is drowning.”
The one who is disillusioned tends to be trapped in dogmas while the one who is endowed with true wisdom will always seek the ultimate eternal truth. In a sense, such wise people are always concerned with seeking the very essence that underpins the various schools of thought. It is in this specific context that Shrimad talks of the essence of the teachings of great sages and seers such as Vyas, Valmiki, Patanjali, Kapil, and Prince Shudhodan, stating, “O Brother! The ocean of materialistic existence is very vast indeed, one has to persevere hard and relentlessly to swim across it.”
While advising true seekers on the kinds of scriptural books that they should refer to, Shrimad says, "Read about the life and times of self-realised saints, the words of worthy seekers (Sundardas, Preetam, etc.) and scriptures that focus predominantly on the soul (books like those by Vicharsagar and Sundardas and the poems by Anandghanji, Banarasidas, Kabir, Akha, etc.). However, always remember that the ultimate tool, amongst all tools for