Shrimad Ane Gandhiji - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Shrimad ane Gandhiji" by Punyavijay:

Book Title: Shrimad ane Gandhiji (Shrimad and Gandhiji) Author: Punyavijay Publisher: Jamnadas P Sheth, Mumbai

This book, "Shrimad ane Gandhiji," authored by Punyavijay and published by Jamnadas P Sheth, Mumbai, explores the profound spiritual and intellectual connection between two towering figures of Indian thought and spirituality: Shrimad Rajchandra and Mahatma Gandhi. The book aims to provide a comparative introduction to their distinct yet complementary personalities and philosophies.

Key Themes and Content:

Introduction and Context: The book begins by introducing Shrimad Rajchandra and Mahatma Gandhi as contemporaries who had a significant personal interaction. It highlights that while both were devoted to religion and the spiritual path, their worldly responsibilities and karma were different. Despite these differences, their association led Gandhi to experience inner peace, and both achieved self-realization according to their respective efforts.
Shrimad Rajchandra's Spiritual Attainment: Shrimad Rajchandra is presented as a person who achieved a supreme state of spiritual enlightenment through unwavering spiritual practice and self-development. He attained self-realization through his spiritual journey.
Gandhiji's Social and Spiritual Journey: Gandhiji, driven by a profound compassion for the suffering of humanity, felt a strong desire to liberate them from their dependent state. This contemplation and the karma associated with it led him to undertake the non-violent struggle for India's independence, which he successfully achieved. Alongside his external social activities, Gandhiji's internal spiritual growth, fostered by his contact with Shrimad, allowed him to experience spiritual peace and attain self-realization. The book emphasizes how Gandhiji embodied Shrimad's teaching of loving even one's killer, citing the example of his assassination by Godse and his continued love for his killer.
Gandhiji's Admiration for Shrimad: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to showcasing Gandhiji's high regard for Shrimad Rajchandra. It compiles Gandhiji's own words from various occasions and his autobiography, where he described Shrimad as a great spiritual personality. The book also includes 27 questions Gandhiji posed to Shrimad and Shrimad's insightful replies, along with a "Supplement" that draws parallels between some of Gandhiji's statements and verses from the Bhagavad Gita.
The Nature of their Interaction: The book details their first meeting in Mumbai on the very day Gandhiji returned from England in 1947. Gandhiji was immediately drawn to Shrimad's intellect, his "Shata-avadhani" (memory power of hundred things) ability, and his learned yet practical approach. Gandhiji was particularly struck by Shrimad's inherent wisdom and the fact that he had achieved so much knowledge despite limited formal education and no English knowledge. This encounter dispelled Gandhiji's notion that true knowledge was only attainable in the West.
Spiritual Guidance and Doubt Resolution: During their subsequent interactions, Gandhiji found Shrimad's guidance invaluable in resolving his existential and spiritual questions. Shrimad's calm and reasoned approach to dharma helped alleviate Gandhiji's doubts about Hinduism, especially when he was also exploring Christianity and Islam. Gandhiji's correspondence with Shrimad, particularly the 27 questions and answers, played a crucial role in his spiritual quest, confirming his belief that Hinduism held the answers he sought.
Distinguishing Characteristics and Shared Values: The book identifies a key difference: while Gandhiji was a householder, Shrimad was detached from worldly affairs. Gandhiji saw a long journey through various life forms ahead for himself, whereas Shrimad was rapidly progressing towards liberation. This difference stemmed from their core objectives: Shrimad aimed for self-liberation (Atma Kalyana), while Gandhiji focused on social welfare (Samaj Kalyana). However, both shared profound qualities like truth, non-violence, detachment, and a spirit of service.
Shrimad's Teachings on Jain Principles: Shrimad's answers to Gandhiji's questions reveal his deep understanding of Jain philosophy. He explains concepts like the nature of the soul, karma, liberation, the role of God, and the principles of dharma without using overly technical Jain terminology, making them accessible to Gandhiji. He discusses the nuances of karma, the journey of the soul, and the path to liberation.
Analysis of Other Religions: Shrimad also offers his perspectives on other religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, comparing them with Jainism and Hinduism. He acknowledges the positive aspects of other faiths but also points out their limitations and inconsistencies from his philosophical standpoint, always maintaining a respectful tone.
Gandhiji's Personal Transformation: The book highlights how Shrimad's influence contributed to Gandhiji's commitment to Brahmacharya (celibacy) and his overall spiritual discipline. Gandhiji's autobiography is quoted extensively to show the impact of Shrimad's life and teachings on his pursuit of truth and non-violence.
The Essence of Dharma: Shrimad's definition of dharma as an inherent quality of the soul, leading to self-knowledge and understanding one's true relationship with others, is presented. Gandhiji's own quest for dharma and his eventual acceptance of its core principles, as interpreted by Shrimad, are emphasized.
Examples of Shrimad's Virtues: The book includes anecdotes illustrating Shrimad's virtues, such as his integrity in business dealings (the diamond deal example) and his profound compassion.
Gandhiji's High Praise for Shrimad: The concluding sections feature Gandhiji's powerful tributes to Shrimad, calling him "the best Indian of his times," placing him "much higher than Tolstoy in religious perception," and stating that no one else had made such a profound impact on his heart. Gandhiji admired Shrimad's knowledge, detachment, devotion, absence of ego, and his ability to extract the essence from every situation.

In essence, "Shrimad ane Gandhiji" serves as a testament to a significant spiritual mentorship, demonstrating how the profound wisdom and virtuous life of Shrimad Rajchandra deeply influenced Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual and ethical journey, ultimately shaping his philosophy and actions that impacted the world.