Page 65 - Acharya Vinoba Bhave in 21st Century ISBN

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people toil much more than Jesus, carry much more burden, suffer much more. Were they to put in half
the labour for the Lord, they would become greater than Jesus!” 36

In Chapter 13 of the Talks on the Gita, titled as “Distinction between Self and non-Self,”
Vinoba refers to the example of Jesus who was able to free Himself from pride and ego, even while

suffering the extreme pains on the Cross.
If we have learnt to make the distinction between body and soul, it will be

immensely useful. In this context, I am reminded of Jesus’ crucifixion. While he
was being crucified, words came to his lips, ‘O God, why are they tormenting

me?’ But he immediately collected himself and said, “Thy will be done, Lord.
Forgive them for they know not what they do.” This example of jesus has a

profound significance. It shows the extent to which the self should be dissociated
from the body. Jesus’ life shows how far we should and could progress. …

Whenever I think of disengaging the soul from the body, Jesus’ life stands before
my eyes as a perfect example. 37

In the following chapter of the same book, he again refers to Jesus, to show “how peaceful and
cheerful one should be even when the body is succumbing to death.” He said, “I had given the example

of Jesus Christ to give an idea of the extent to which one should dissociate oneself from the pleasures
and pains of the body.” 38

While speaking about the need to integrate jnana, bhakti and karma for the integration of life,
he cited the life and sayings of Jesus as a perfect example of bhakti: “Jesus has said that when you fast,

your face should appear cheerful: ‘But thou, when thou fasteth, anoint thine head and wash thy face,
that thou appear not unto men to fast.’” 39

Vinoba’s Appeal to Indian Christians

Vinoba who had the highest esteem for the ethical quotient in religious teachings wanted the
followers of Lord Jesus Christ to adhere to the ethical principles of Christianity. There was a query
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from a Christian group, "What is your message for us?”His reply was: “Follow the teachings of Jesus.”To
their next question, “What do you expect from the missionaries of India?” his answer was:”Serve the

poor.”
Regarding the Christians’ propagation of the faith and getting the people into the Christian fold,

he held the following view:
Jesus has said that not everyone that saith to Him, ‘Lord, Lord’ is his, but he that

doeth the will of my Father.” And then he also said, ‘I have other mansions.’’
What are these other mansions? These are Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, etc. Pray

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