Acharya Vinoba Bhave (1895-1982) is undoubtedly one of the greatest personalities of the last century. Acclaimed as 'Gandhi's spiritual successor' he was, in fact, a successor to most of the ancient spiritual traditions of the world. Philosophy, metaphysics, sociology, political science, pedagogy, economics-there was hardly any subject that his genius did not touch and in which he did not contribute novel, original and insightful ideas. Those ideas assume more importance in the light of the fact that Vinoba was not only a theoretician, but he also practised what he preached, and demonstrated the practicality of what he conceived. The Bhoodan-Yajna, which he initiated and led, gave more than 2.5 million acres of land to poor agricultural labourers. This has no parallel in the history of the world.
Vinoba's books, most of which are compilations on different subjects culled from his speeches and writings, have been, and are being, published in various Indian languages. However, only a few of them have been published in English. Hence most of his writings have remained inaccessible in English. This is a serious deficiency, when English is the most widely known international language and the perplexed world urgently needs to become aware of Vinoba's experiential wisdom.
This is what prompted me to resolve to prepare a few books in English by editing and translating Vinoba's thoughts on different subjects, which have not been covered in Vinoba's available literature in English, despite being fully aware of my incompetence to do the job. simply because it has not yet been attempted. The attempt is to give a broad outline of some of Vinoba's thoughts with the hope that they would motivate the readers to delve into Vinoba's timeless wisdom.
inoba has rightly said, "One need not refer to the religious scriptures to understand the secret of religion. It is sufficient to realise that all religions are but the feet of the Lord." 'The feet of the Lord' is an expression that occurs in a devotional composition by saint Tukaram of Maharashtra.
The Lord is known by different attributes and different Names in different religions. Vinoba believed that different religions are different paths leading to the same Lord. This was the faith which motivated him to spend years on end in the study of the scriptures of major religions in India. And his faith was vindicated by his study. But difference in their languages and external practices have caused innumerable conflicts and wars between the adherents of different religions. Vinoba was, therefore, never tired of exhorting people to rise above their religions and enter the realm of spirituality. But he knew how much hold these religions had on the minds of their followers and also their positive contribution, and hence appreciated the need for reform in the religions and for the realisation of inner unity between them. He, therefore, presented the essence of those religions in the form of books-Rig-Veda-sar (Substance of the Rig-Veda), Ashtadashi (Selections from the Upanishads), The essence of the Quran, The essence of Christian teachings, Japuji etc.. As he himself said, he, like a cow, ate fodder, digested it and gave sweet nourishing milk to the people. It was his overflowing compassion.
Vinoba naturally expressed his thoughts about various religions from time to time, pointed out the true nature of a religion and delineated how harmony could be established between different religions. I had edited a book in Marathi, giving a gist of these thoughts, drawing mostly on the material in Vol. 7, 8 (edited by Gautam Bajaj) and 19 (edited by Kalindi) of 'Vinoba Sahitya (selected works of Vinoba in Hindi). This small book is based on that source.
I am happy that Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan has taken initiative for its publication as an e-book, while Paramdham Prakashan is publishing it in printed form. Vidarbha Bhoodan-Gramdan Sahayog Samiti and Bhoodan-yajna Mandal, Vidarbha have provided financial assistance to this project. I am grateful to them. I also take this opportunity to thank Shri B.J.K. Tampi, ex-D.G. Police for the pains he has taken in going through the manuscript and giving valuable suggestions. Responsibility of errors and deficiencies, of course, remains mine. Readers are welcome to point them out and suggest modifications.
Hindu (1765)
Philosophers (2327)
Aesthetics (317)
Comparative (66)
Dictionary (12)
Ethics (44)
Language (350)
Logic (80)
Mimamsa (58)
Nyaya (134)
Psychology (497)
Samkhya (60)
Shaivism (66)
Shankaracharya (233)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist