Gandhi and Rajchandra: The Making of the Mahatma

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest influencers in the world, was himself influenced by trailblazing thinkers and writers like Tolstoy, Ruskin, Thoreau, and otherseach one contributing significantly to his moral and spiritual development. Yet only a few people know the most consequential person to have played a pivotal role in the making of the Mahatma: Shrimad Rajchandra. About the unparalleled influence of this person, Gandhi himself wrote: I have met many a religious leader or teacher and I must say that no one else ever made on me the impression that Raychandbhai did.

Uma Majmudar, digging deep into the original Gujarati writings of both Gandhi and Rajchandra, explores this important relationship and unfolds the unique impact of Rajchandras teachings and contributions upon Gandhi. The volume examines the contents and significance of their intimate spiritual discussions, letters, questions and answers. In this book, Dr. Majmudar brings to the forefront the scarcely known but critically important facts of how Rajchandra molded Gandhis inner self, his character, his life, thoughts and actions. This Jain zaveri (jeweller)-cum-spiritual seeker became Gandhis most trusted friend, as well as an exemplary mentor and refuge in spiritual crisis.

Reviews

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

Author Bio

Uma Majmudar teaches in the philosophy and religion department at Spelman College.