Page 59 - Acharya Vinoba Bhave in 21st Century ISBN

21oha “krkCnh esa vkpk;Z fouksck Hkkos dh izklafxdrk

The genuinely Hindu mind of Vinoba had enabled him to be open to all noble things in the world, and
to positively accept whatever was good for himself and the society. How he formed himself was to

develop a philosophy of life which was partisan to none, and perfectly in tune with the spirit of nonviolence.
“Our three dimensional right philosophy of life, which will bless the world, has metaphysics conducive

to the welfare of all, while its path of action lies in the constructive programmes and its path of devotion,
in the observance of nonviolence and other vows by remembering God and seeking his aid. …Hence

I should take care that these three go on getting stabilized in my life.” 5

Vinoba’s Universal Outlook: ‘Jay Jagat’ as the Vision of Life
He developed the idea of ‘JayJagat’, which he lived himself. It was after fifteen years of
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beginning the usage of “JayHind” that Vinoba coined ‘JayJagat.’ At a time when many of his
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countrymen seemed to be satisfied with nationalism (which perhaps was the necessary product of
the time,) we find him giving expression to ‘JayJagat,’ (Victory to the World), the eternal and all-
pervading message of India:

We are universal men. We pride not on any one country, we insist not on any one
religion, nor do we enchain ourselves to any one sect or caste. To roam about in the

garden of the world’s best thoughts will be our diligent study, to digest them will be
our constant endeavour and to eliminate their contradictions will be our unfailing

creed. To develop an attitude of universalism by synthetising the peculiarities will
be our endeavour in the realm of thought.” 8

Vinoba was a living embodiment of the spirit of the Vedic Sukta: “Let noble thoughts come to
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us from every side.” He kept himself open to be taught by any available positive source of thought and
wisdom. Christianity was no exception. His formation in close contact with Gandhiji had its contribution
too, for Gandhi was himself tremendously influenced by Christianity. 10

Fatherhood of God, Brotherhood of Humanity

Vinoba inherited the broad and inclusive Hindu religious traditions. It enabled him to welcome
everything which was genuinely humane and promoting the welfare of all. He did not fall victim to any

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sectarian thought system. The popular prayer he composed, Om Tat Sat Shri Narayan Tu , expresses
his universal outlook toward man, the world and God. Vinoba is very close to Christianity when he

identifies himself to be a believer in God. His faith is connected to his commitment to truth and love,
which he calls, as Gandhi does, Satya and Ahimsa.

In his pursuit of the study of the world religions, Vinoba passionately took up the study of the
Holy Bible, too. It is true that he grew up in an environment which had very little of the Christian

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