Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

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Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
salvation, is the association with a self-realised saint.”
Shrimad Rajchandra studied scriptural works such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, as well as Swaminarayan sect’s revered scriptural work “Shikshapatri’. He says that if any doubt or query arises on its contents, one should contemplate upon it or seek advice for better understanding. He states that Shikshapatri emphasises the importance of devotion to God and it highlights virtues such as judicious wisdom (the ability to distinguish between true and false), courage, and the sanctuary of a self-realised saint. Out of these three, the two qualities the Shikshapatri stresses the most are the qualities of courage and devotional sanctuary which every seeker must contemplate upon and imbibe.”
Shrimad also demonstrated his respect for all religions and philosophies and advised people to seek the true essence from all sources. This approach of Shrimad shows his unique characteristic that he would evaluate and synthesise the good and desirable aspects from each religion rather than emphasising the superiority of one religion over another. If we adopt this practise of synthesis, it will certainly give rise to spirituality within us. In brief, one should develop compassion, attempt to follow the truth, follow those who are virtuous and at the same time eliminate divisive ideas. By adopting these simple concepts, one will be worthy to attain one's true self.
One does not attain spirituality by merely reading the scriptures. Spirituality is achieved through contemplation and implementation of lessons from these scriptures into one's life. Shrimad goes further to say, an egoist may claim that the Jain religion contains the universal truth and that by having read the Jain scriptures in his possession, he has attained the same. However