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 just with Independence. That was only the first step. He wanted every individual to be free and self-(Swa)-governed (rajya). This self-government is possible only when an individual (atman) sees himself as a part of society or the universe (Para-atman). Vinoba expounded this idea in his book “Swa-rajya Shastra”, published in 1942.

With love

Yours, L.N. Godbole

27th May, 1990 My dear Pranav,

Vinoba’s ideas are not well known outside India because of their essentially Indian perspective. He was introduced to the West after Jaya Prakash (JP) Narayan was attracted to his ideas in 1954.

JP was a Maxrist educated in America. He had first-hand experience of poverty in that country. When he came to India he was considered a confirmed Marxist. Like many others of his generation, he believed that he had all the answers for the problems facing India. He was drawn to Gandhiji and the freedom struggle. He was a famous name in the Quit India Movement of 1942. JP continued his search for truth. After his contact with Gandhi, JP started getting attracted to the roots of India.

As a Marxist, JP knew that every individual must think about his fellow beings. He must be committed to his community. He knew that this is necessary for the social existence of man. But why should he be good? He had no answer to that question. He was attracted to Gandhi. Being a firm believer in GOD, Gandhi had all the reasons for being good. Vinoba with his rationality and reasoning, led him to Adhyatma, and the ultimate reality perceived by many as GOD. JP therefore offered himself as a

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