Page 27 - GANDHI A Biography for Children and Beginners

GANDHI – A Biography for children and beginners

went straight to his heart, and reminded him of a verse of Shamal Bhatt which

said 'For a bowl of water give a goodly meal'.

He also read Carlyle's chapter on the Hero as a prophet and learnt of the
Prophet's greatness and bravery and austere living. All these readings left him

with the impression that much was common in the religions, and that

renunciation was the highest form of religion.

Vegetarianism was not the only field in which Gandhi's vow was put to test. At

least on one occasion he was on the verge of succumbing to the temptation of
intimacy with women. But as he was sliding, he was alerted by the friend who

was with him. He withdrew himself in time and left the scene, literally fleeing

to save himself. He believed that it was God who had saved him from the brink.

His truthfulness saved him from leading a life of deceit as many Indian students
did. Many who had left their wives in India pretended that they were

unmarried, and enjoyed the company of unmarried English girls. When Gandhi

found that an old lady was interested in giving him an opportunity to meet and
befriend young girls, he promptly wrote to the lady telling her that he was

married, and he should not have left her in the dark about it. He asked her to

forgive him if she felt that he had abused her hospitality.

In the midst of all this, Gandhi had made use of his time to get through the

Matriculation examination of the University and to keep terms and qualify for

the Bar. He learned Latin, and did as much reading of the books of Law as was
necessary to qualify for the tests. He passed his examinations and was called to

the Bar on the 10th of June 1891. He enrolled in the High Court on the 11th,

and sailed for India on the 12th of June.

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