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 opposed to power of violence, distinct from the power of the state... This third power is inherent in man, and we seek to realise it on the widest possible scale. And therefore it is not for us to form a separate sect, it is for us to identify ourselves with the common run of humanity and to work among men simply as fellow human beings.“ (1)

Vinoba’s emphasis on not having institutions was very fundamental. After all, we only ‘experience’ life as individuals. Group, family, caste, religion, country, nation, union, company are all theoretical constructs. They are all concepts the reality which we experience is only the individual. It is the individual who has to change himself to change society. If a man is not changed, nothing changes.

A man can be changed only by changing his thoughts. This can be achieved only by the spread of ideas. It needs continuous “deep-casting.” It is not done in a day, but you should go on doing it every day. Then alone lasting changes can come about. Vinoba’s idea was to concentrate on changing the ideas, the thoughts or the inner core or heart of the individual. It was called bridaya parivartan (change of heart). by Gandhiji. Changing the core of man’s being is the message of all religions, but more so of Samatana Dharma.

With love, Yours,

L.N. Godbole

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