Gandhi and Rajchandra

Mahatma Gandhi in the last century was the most transformational figure. He changed the society and the politics. He had the capacity to shape thought and to influence beyond borders. He gave to the entire world a new kind of philosophy, that of the ineluctable dignity of every man and woman, whether ruled or ruling, free or enslaved, whether white, black, brown or yellow. He called it truth and nonviolence. He called it patriotism, He called it religion.



It was Jainism and Rajchandra, who influenced young Gandhi the most. Rajchandra was slightly older than Mahatma Gandhi. He was a Jain saint philosopher, a poet and an author. Gandhi said on Rajchandra “on my life there is such a constant influence of Rajchandra that I cannot describe. I have very deep feelings for him. For years, I have been in search of highly religious people. So far I have not found another person who could equal him. He possessed knowledge, renunciation, and devotion and was free from pretense, factionalism, passion and jealousy. He had a divine power.”



This wonderful book draws deeply upon the powerful wisdom of the Jain tradition and of Rajchandra and provides a fascinating and detailed account of the relationship, discussions, correspondence and the influence that Rajchandra had on Gandhi. At a time of religious and ethical crisis in the life of young Gandhi, it was Rajchandra who provided him the timely, unbiased advice and guidance. -- Sulekh C. Jain, author of An Ahimsa Crisis You Decide