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 or darsana’ It is never claimed as the whole Truth. Each one of us has to perceive this truth for himself or herself. No one gives you, a blue-print of it. It is always evolving and you have to explore for yourself. “Who am I?” is the question.

No Indian philosopher therefore claims any new philosophy or thought construct. He interprets the old texts and puts forward his viewpoint or darsana. Vinoba follows the same path. His emphasis is, therefore, on ideas. He rejects blueprints or institutions. He treats them as traps or obstacles.

With love,

Yours, L.N. Godbole

Letter 12

22nd April, 1990 My dear Pranav,

Vinoba’s capacity to put his thoughts in a few words was something remarkable. All his arguments are so gentle and persua- sive that it is difficult to forget them. His interpretation of Indian thought is summarised by him in two words. He calls them “and also”. In the original Hindi, it is actually one word, “bhi”.

Vinoba explains it in his “Talks on the Gita” (1) with a story of Pundalika. Pundalika was a great devotee of Pandurang at Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Amongst the Vaishnavite temples in India, Pandharpur occupies a position similar to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Pundalik looked after his parents and served them with equally great devotion. Being pleased with such service, Lord Pandurang came running to greet and bless him. But Pundalik would not be beguiled by Pandurang and refused to give up his duty of service to his parents. Serving his old father and mother was for him, worship of GOD, true bhakti. He said to God, “Lord, you have come yourself to bless me with this vision. This

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