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and become self-sufficient. If he does not have this control he cannot save himself.” The most dramatic and direct application of the idea of Swaraj came in Gandhi's 'Quit India' speech delivered in Bombay in 1942.
Indeed, like self realization in spirituality, concept of Swaraj is more basic than even Ahimsa which in turns is a means to achieve Swaraj. Self rule emanates from self restraint which distinguishes human beings from other types of living beings or brutes. Self-rule presupposes the agency of the Atma. The spirit exerts its influence on the empirical ego, on emotions, mind, and intelligence. Under the influence of the Atma the inner powers of the moral agent become integrated, such that he or she becomes a spiritually aware person, guided by true self knowledge. This concept of self rule is similar to Jain concept of soul elevating itself to supreme soul status through detachment i.e. introspecting on itself, practice of Ahimsa, self restraint and penance or self sacrifice.
Answers to Gandhi's question no 1 by Rajchandra (AppendixIV) clearly appears to the basis of his interpretation of the philosophy of Swaraj. Further in Jainism, 'the nature of an entity is defined as its Dharma, tenfold spiritual virtues like forgiveness etc are Dharma, Right belief-knowledge-conduct is Dharma; and protecting the living beings is Dharma.l65 Nature of all living beings is to be happy ultimately leading to the attainment of four infinites (bliss, infinite intuition, knowledge and energy). Mahavira further said, 'bondage / pain i.e. dependence on others including one's body is the cause of all pain.166 This leads to the code of conduct to be practised for attaining freedom by practicing Ahimsa, Self restraint and penance as seen from the following verse17:
Pg.188 Gandhi & Jainism
