VINOBA BHAVE DEATH BIRTHDAY: Vinayak Narahari Bhave, also known as Vinoba Bhave, is considered the National Teacher of India. Acharya Vinoba Bhave devoted his entire life to serving the poor and marginalized and giving them a voice. The non-violence and freedom activist, social reformer and spiritual teacher was a devoted follower of Mahatma Gandhi. He upheld Mahatma Gandhi’s doctrines of non-violence and equality.
Best known for his ‘Bhoodan Movement’ (Gift of the Land), Vinoba first received the international Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1958. In 1983, he was also posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. October 15 marks the 40th anniversary of the death of the human rights defender.
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Let’s take a look back at some of his inspirational quotes and the lessons behind them:
The heart of rich and poor
When the Indian philosopher wrote, “It is a curious phenomenon that God has made the hearts of the poor rich and those of the rich poor,” he unlocked perhaps the greatest irony of human existence. He, who may be hidden in a poor man’s appearance, may have a heart of gold.
Fearlessness and humility
Another great lesson from the author of ‘Talks On The Gita’ is: “Fearlessness makes progress possible, and humility brings security.” In his view, we must be fearless to take action, but it is modesty that will ensure our safety. After all, pride has unraveled even the mightiest.
Combine Swadharma with Vikrama
Vinoba B has perfectly summed up the effect of combining swadharma (one’s dharma) with vikrama (courage). “We can keep a pack of gunpowder in our pocket or handle it with impunity; but if it ignited, it would blow the body to pieces. The infinite power in Swadharma is also dormant. Combine it with vikarma and then see what transformation it can bring about! The resulting explosion would burn the ego, desires, passions and anger to ashes, and then supreme wisdom will be attained.”
The violent spirit
The winner of Bharat Ratna perfectly explained that the absence of violence does not mean that violence does not exist. He summed up the nature of a violent spirit when he said: “A sword in hand is a sure sign of a violent spirit; but one does not become non-violent merely by throwing away the sword.”
The truth
If your reasoning is strong, there is no need for arguments. Or as Vinoba Bhave wrote,
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