Overview

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest influencers in the world, was himself influenced by trailblazing thinkers and writers like Tolstoy, Ruskin, Thoreau, and others—each 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 Rajchandra’s 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 Gandhi’s inner self, his character, his life, thoughts and actions.” This Jain zaveri (jeweller)-cum-spiritual seeker became Gandhi’s most trusted friend, as well as an exemplary mentor and “refuge in spiritual crisis.”

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Majmudar (Spelman College) retells the pilgrimage of faith (p. 59) of Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) as he evolved into the Mahatma, contributing to the vast array of books advancing diverse studies of influences on his spiritual quest. In particular, Majmudar highlights the exemplary power of Rajchandra Mehta (1867-1901), a didactic poet, savant, and jeweler. Mehta personally interacted with young Gandhi for less than two years (1891-93) on Ghandi's return from London to Bombay (today Mumbai) and before his departure for South Africa. Thereafter, they corresponded until Mehta's early death, although only three of their letters survive. Throughout, Majmudar argues that Mehta, whose mother tongue was the same Gujarati with a Kathiawadi accent as Gandhi's, quickly became Gandhi's friend-cum-advisor and teacher supreme on the path of Truth (p. 29). Mehta's Jain religious beliefs and non-violent practices reinforced those that Gandhi absorbed from his own Vaishnava Hindu family. While Majmudar acknowledges that Mehta's influence was deep and invisible, she characterizes it like an underground sprinkler system penetrating the deepest layers of [Gandhi's] soul (p. 76). Readers interested in the influences of Jainism or Mehta on Gandhi's spiritual development will find Majumdar's book informative. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers. * Choice * In Gandhi and Rajchandra: The Making of the Mahatma. (Lexington Books), Dr. Uma Majmudar walks the reader through the life and times of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, exploring his transformation through various influences in his life, Srimad Rajchandra in particular. Through her comprehensive research and analysis, she convincingly presents the profound impact of a Jain zaveri (jeweler)-cum-spiritual seeker upon Gandhi, who molded Gandhi's inner self, his character, his life, thoughts and actions. . . . Dr. Majmudar's earnest efforts in highlighting this exceptional bond only enhances and elevates an evergreen, ever-relevant study of the Mahatma and his principles. * NRI Pulse: Home of the Indian-American Family * 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 The lay Jain spiritual teacher Shrimad Rajchandra profoundly influenced many of Gandhi's beliefs and practices, from celibacy in marriage to ideas about non-violence. This book provides an absorbing, readable introduction to Gandhi and Rajchandra's relationship. -- Ellen Gough, Emory University

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

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