Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

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Shrimad Rajchandra & Mahatma Gandhi 91
This incident played a very critical role in the development of his character. It was due to this incredible experience that his ego slowly dissipated and was replaced by a humility which eventually became his hallmark that led him to the path of greatness.
Gandhi writes in his autobiography (My Experiments with Truth, page 83), "I envied his gift without, however, coming under its spell. The thing that did cast its spell over me I came to learn afterwards. This was his wide knowledge of the scriptures, his spotless character, and his burning passion for self realisation.”
Beyond this, there were several other experiences Gandhi shared with Shrimad that left a deep and lasting impression. Gandhi set up a new law practice in Mumbai and in a strange way, it was fortuitous for him that only a few cases came his way. He had plenty of spare time to meet with Shrimad. Whenever they met, he listened carefully and attentively to whatever Shrimad had to say. Shrimad's straightforwardness and deep knowledge drew Gandhi closer to him. It was a rare occurrence that these two souls met and Bhagwan Mahavir's philosophy, ingrained into Shrimad's psyche through spiritual striving over several lifetimes, was absorbed by Gandhi. This philosophy inspired Gandhi to commence his experiments with truth of ahimsa (non-violence), truth, celibacy, and non-possessiveness. These values would guide him throughout his life. A new dawn of change was ushered in.
Gandhi had seen Shrimad engaged in the buying and selling of precious stones and pearls to earn a living. Gandhi, however, felt very clearly that Shrimad's main focus was attaining self-realisation. Gandhi observed that no matter what else Shrimad had at his table; he always had a scriptural book and his personal diary. As soon as he had finished dealing with a customer or a task on hand, Shrimad would either start reading the book or writing in