Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

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

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Shrimad Rajchandra & Mahatma Gandhi
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Panchikaran, Maniratnamala, a chapter from Yogvashishtha and Shaddarshan Samuchchaya by Haribhadrasuri to read. Gandhi read all these, along with Shrimad's own writings in Vachanamrut and Mokshamala.
After reading these books with an open mind, he came to realise that Hindu philosophy had no shortcomings as he had initially thought, but offered very subtle and deep thought processes, cognition of the soul and a very high degree of compassion which other philosophies did not. He began to understand the salient features of Hinduism, and his reverence for it increased multifold. He noted, "It was Raichandbhai who helped me resolve my doubts about Hinduism.”
According to the passionate Gandhian thinker, Muni Shri Santbalji, “Gandhi continued to believe himself to be a traditional Hindu. However, to understand the real Gandhi, one must bear in mind the thoughts of Rajchandra”. (Parichay-Prabhav, page 28).
It is believed that Shrimad wrote about two hundred letters to Gandhi. Gandhi referred to this in one of his lectures. If these letters were to become available today, they would help in solving many basic spiritual and practical problems.
An question often asked is; what would have happened if Gandhi's doubts about Hinduism had not been resolved and he had converted to Christianity? Who would have then thought of Satyagraha (non-violent adherence to the truth) and Swarajya (selfrule)? Gandhiji would perhaps become a Michael or a Mohammad but the fact that he remained Mohandas K. Gandhi is due to the impact of his spiritual guide, Shrimad Rajchandra.