Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

Page 89

Shrimad Rajchandra & Mahatma Gandhi
When Gandhi's was just nineteen years of age he sought his mother Putalibai's permission to travel to England for further studies. Gandhi would have never thought of leaving for foreign shores without her consent. Some people mentioned to his mother that those going abroad would fall prey to eating meat, carnal desires, and drinking alcohol. His mother, Putalibai, was confused and didn't know what to do. Nineteen year old Gandhi told her, “Have trust in me. I will not betray your trust. I will take an oath that I shall abstain from all such things." Putalibai responded, “I trust you, but I am not sure how will sustain it when you are so far away.”
Putalibai decided to see a Jain monk, Bechardasji Swami, and seek his advice. Putalibai had great faith in him. Bechardasji told her that he would make Gandhi take a vow and then there would be no problem. Gandhi took the oath before the Jain monk Bechardasji to abstain from meat eating, drinking, and association with women. It was only after this she granted her permission for him to go abroad. Gandhiji maintained the highest ethical lifestyle standards after he took an oath in front of a Jain sage
Another event in the young barrister's life proved to be an important factor in turning this ordinary mortal into a Mahatma (a great soul). Gandhi returned to India from England on 5th July 1891 and stayed with Dr. Pranjivan Mehta, younger brother of Revashankar Mehta. Revashankarbhai was a close relative of Shrimad as well as his business partner. Shrimad also returned to Mumbai on the same day and had gone to Dr. Pranjivan's residence. This was Shrimad and Gandhi's first meeting which later turned into an enduring bond, lasting until Shrimad's death.
Gandhi's mother, had passed away while he was in London. His love and attachment for her was so great that his elder brother