Page 48 - Acharya Vinoba Bhave in 21st Century ISBN

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Like Gandhi, Vinoba was a staunch believer of Hinduism but both of them did not adhere to the
narrow of exclusivist nature of Hinduism. Rather, both considered Hinduism as a way of life rather than an

institutionalized religion. Hinduism, according to them is so inclusive in nature that it can accommodate all
other religions into its fold. Rather than binding its followers to a strict way of life and pattern of behavior, it

provides freedom to its followers to such an extent that it has included innumerable forms of God and
innumerable ways of worshipping God.

Highlighting this point, Vinoba wrote, ‘Hinduism gives its followers complete freedom. It does not
insist on any particular discipline or prayer. Religion has to release us from bondage. The only imperative

commandment it can have is to ask us to purify ourselves.’ Accepting such an approach towards Hinduism,
Vinoba would not accept the narrower version of Hinduism which is referred to as Hindutva ideology which

is exclusivist in nature and would claim superiority of Hinduism as against other religions. Vinoba, in spite of
having very high respect for Hinduism, never had a disrespect, let alone, hatred for other religions. This

implies that he followed Gandhian notion of Sarva dharma Samabhava to its chore.

Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava
Again, like Gandhi, even Vinoba was deeply influenced by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It was

due to this respect that while describing the basic tenet of Christianity, he could write that, ‘Luckily, this
teaching of Jesus is not alien to India. We have been the meeting ground of a multitude of races, creeds

and cultures, a land of synthesis and fusions. I therefore unreservedly declare that Jesus Christ is our
own, that to us in this country, Jesus and his teachings have never sounded strange or unpractical, that

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we regard Jesus as one of our family.’ He also wrote that, ‘I am as much devoted to the teachings of
Christ as to the Vedic Dharma preached by our ancient saints. Christ’s teachings are universal as he
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never preached any difference of religions, sects, etc.’ He further compared Christian world view with
that of Hinduism and declared that, ‘I can wholly accept the New Testament, especially the Sermon on

the Mount. There is no difference between Christian teaching and Indian philosophy. 5
Similarly, so far as Islam is concerned, Vinoba had the same type of respect which made him

write that, ‘Everyone agrees that a unique spirit of brotherhood and comradeship pervades the teaching
of Islam, and that Islam means PEACE. This is why the moon is its symbol. A man who has no passion

for peace and has no compassion in him, is not a Muslim. On the other hand, he who has peace and
compassion in him, is a Muslim, whether he has such a label or not. I should call him and regard him a

true Muslim.’ 6
So far as the message of Buddha is concerned, Vinoba stressed upon compassion and non-

enmity though there were many other important attractions like rationalism, attack on casteism and
renunciation. He considered Buddha as a reformer of Hinduism. Comparing Buddha and Mahavira,

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