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 the 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 the thoughts with the hope that they would motivate the readers to delve into Vinoba's timeless wisdom.
For Vinoba, the Bhagavad-Gita was verily his mother. Nay, she was more than the mother; she was a guru (master) too, as she gave him not only comfort and care, but also guidance throughout his life. As he himself has affirmed, the Gita was his life-breath.
No wonder, he dived deep into the Gita, and took out gems for us. His 'Gita Pravachan' ('Talks on the Gita') is the most well-known. That it has been translated in 24 languages and more than 2.5 million copies have been sold so far speaks for its popularity and potency.
Vinoba's another work on the Gita is 'Sthitaprajna-Darshan' ('The Steadfast wisdom'). It is the compilation of eighteen talks on the eighteen verses at the end of the second chapter. It too has been translated in many Indian languages. In the process of sketching the ideal of the Gita, Vinoba has presented a profound philosophy, which has rightly been acclaimed as a befitting addition to the celebrated six schools of philosophical doctrines in the Indian tradition.
Vinoba's 'Gitai' (literally, 'Gita, the mother'), translation of the Gita in Marathi verse, has been hailed as a miracle in Marathi literature. Perhaps no other sacred text has been translated into any other language so lucidly and yet remaining so true to its spirit. His notes and comments on every verse in the Gitai, published under the title 'Gitai Chintanika', is a spiritual classic in its own right.
Besides these books, Vinoba has written and spoken a lot on different issues and ideas in the Gita. All this reveals his penetrating insights, besides deep knowledge and scholarship.
However, it is a pity that the thoughts of such a towering personality as Vinoba on the Gita, the repository of ancient India's spiritual wisdom, have been available in English only partially. As noted, only two books on Vinoba's interpretation of the Gita have been published in English. This book has been edited from the material that does not appear in these two books. Vol. 5 of 'Vinoba Sahitya' (Selected works of Vinoba in Hindi), wherein the portion on the Gita was edited by Usha, is its main source.
This book fulfils a long-pending need. Those who have read Vinoba's other books on the Gita would also find some gems in this book and would gain new insights into the Gita. For others, it is hoped that it generates interest in Vinoba's interpretation of the Gita.
I am happy that Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan has taken initiative for the publication of this book 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. Readers are welcome to point out errors and deficiencies and suggest modifications.
Vedas (1182)
Upanishads (493)
Puranas (624)
Ramayana (741)
Mahabharata (354)
Dharmasastras (165)
Goddess (496)
Bhakti (242)
Saints (1503)
Gods (1290)
Shiva (370)
Journal (187)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (362)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist