Answer

Mahatma Gandhi was deeply influenced toward Ahimsa by Jain Dharma, especially through the Jain scholar and spiritual guide Shrimad Rajchandra.

Explanation

Gandhi was born in Gujarat, where Jain influence was strong. From childhood, he was exposed to Jain values such as:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Satya — truth
• Aparigraha — non-possessiveness
• Self-control and fasting

Later, Gandhi developed a close spiritual relationship with Shrimad Rajchandra, a revered Jain thinker. Gandhi himself acknowledged Shrimad Rajchandra as one of the greatest influences on his spiritual life.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, Ahimsa is not only avoiding physical violence. It also means avoiding harm through:

• thoughts
• words
• actions

This Jain understanding of Ahimsa strongly shaped Gandhi’s moral and political philosophy.

Takeaway

Gandhi did not learn Ahimsa from only one person, but Shrimad Rajchandra and Jain Dharma played a major role in shaping his understanding of non-violence.