Page 55 - Acharya Vinoba Bhave in 21st Century ISBN

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our civilization, fanning the fires of bigotry, intolerance, bloodshed and war. Sectarian, ethnic and
communal violence goes on all over the world, the conflicts are bloodier and more cruel, the parties

more intransigent, less willing to resolve their differences.
The Jain concept of nonviolence, which is also the Vinoba Bhave’s concept, is not a mere

passive abstention from injury to others, but a positive quality based on love for all. Jain philosophy is
perhaps unique in embracing in the fold of this relationship of love and oneness of life of all living beings

including non-human beings. Concept of Anekantvada (Non-Absolutism) believed by Vinobaji
recognizes that reality is many-fold, highly complex and pluralistic. Our view of reality is but one aspect

of it, based on our own beliefs and experiences. There may exist other views and other experiences.
The whole truth is the synthesis of these experiences. Truth is relative. It may appear to be different

from different perspectives and different standpoints. In accordance with the Jain philosophy, the universe
is eternal, everlasting and uncreated, without a beginning or an end. There is no creator or Supreme

Being. The cosmic constituents are the animate and the inanimate. The animate comprise an infinite
number of souls. The true nature of soul is that of eternal bliss and beatitude.

d) Overall Influence of Jainism on Vinoba Bhave

Vinoba Bhave adopted all the five vows of Jainism for laymen, with a higher degree. The vows
include Non Violence, Truth, Non stealing, Non Possession and Celibacy. But beyond that, he seems

to be a true Jain when we see his braveness. We do not see any instance in his movements that he
behaved like a coward. He was a brave man without a weapon, throughout his life. Another great

influence of Jainism on Vinobaji was simplicity and the dress code. He did wear only essential clothing
that too made from cotton. He did wear white clothes only. A clear indication of influence by Jain

ascetic’s life. As we know, the Jain monks do not use vehicles and wander everywhere on their bare
feet. Although Vinobaji used vehicles, he is famous for his long marches on feet.

In Jainism, the spiritual ritual of dying is known as sallekhana. In old age or a terminal illness,
a person practicing sallekhana gradually withdraws from food, medicine, and any other attachments

in a manner that does not disrupt inner peace and dispassionate mindfulness. Prayers and scriptures
then prepare the person for their passing. Vinoba spent the later part of his life at his Brahma Vidya

Mandir ashram in Paunar in Wardha district of Maharashtra. He died on 15 November 1982 after
refusing food and medicine for a few days by accepting “Samadhi Maran” / “Santhara” as described

in Jainism.
Every day, Jains say “Micchami dukkadam” to all living beings they come across. This phrase

means: “May all living being forgive me for any harm I may have done to them, intentionally or
unintentionally.” These are also some of the last words a Jain will say when on their deathbed.Vinobaji

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