Remembering the ‘Mahātma’—Gandhiji Nirvana Divas
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was vested with the title of ‘Mahātma’ (exalted soul) for his commitment to Truth and Non-violence. During the ‘Bhāgavat Dharma and Bapu’ series, Pujya Bhaishri described a ‘Mahātma’ in the words of Ādi Shankrācārya-
‘manas ekam vacas ekam karmanyekam mahātmanām’
One who possesses unity in thought, word and deed is a great soul (mahātmā).
On behalf of the worldwide Sandipani Parivāra, Sandipani Vidyaniketan Rishis and Rishikumars have visited Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, and offered our
•Puṣpāñjali (offering of flowers),
•Bhavāñjali (offering of grateful sentiments), and
•Śraddhāñjali (offering of respect)
Pointing out the two steps leading up to the twin full-size portraits of the Mahātma and Kasturba at Kirti Mandir, Rishi Shri Prafullbhai Dave shares that these two steps signify the two important values of non-violence (ahiṃsā) and Truth (Satya).
Speaking of exalted devotees from the very soil that produced two great Bhāgavats, both Sudāmājī—whose character is described in the two chapters of the latter half of the tenth canto of the Bhāgavat—and Gandhiji were householders. But what did they keep for themselves?
The lives of Sudāmā and Bapu are the epitome of renunciation (tyāga), service (sevā) and devotion (Bhakti).
The term ‘āśrama’ is associated with the residence of a Mahātma, wherever that may be. Shri Vinoba Bhave would define an ‘āśrama’ to exist wherever two words also ending in the syllable ‘Ma’ co-exist—
- Effort (Śrama), and
- Love (Prema).
The two are mutually inclusive—When we love, we are eager to serve, and when we serve, our love is active, not idle. Both of these were seen in the every day dealings of Mahatma Gandhi!
Gandhijiʼs life is a testament to the power of connectivity to Truth. He was a true Bhāgavat Dharmi in his harmonious conduct in all three dimensions of the Bhāgavat Dharm:
(1) Living in harmony with fellow man;
(2) Living in harmony with other living beings, and
(3) Living in harmony with Mother Nature.
Gandhiji’s turning point came when young Barrister Gandhi was thrown off the train and called a ‘coolieʼ—a term of derision that stank of hatred. He immediately wanted to protest the injustice of the system but was told to accept things, as this is how it goes. He, however, didnʼt wish to be quietened and resolved to fight this injustice. Gandhiji had both, the courage and intelligence, to fight, and knew how to do so—fights arenʼt fought or won in fist fights, and thus he never retaliated when beaten or abused; but he never backed down either, from achieving his goal of establishing Truth.
Gandhiji’s whole life is transparent for us all see; as his autobiography, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” reveals. From this very childhood till 1921, Gandhiji reveals his struggles and journey with candour.
He describes himself as a very fearful child, who, through his devout Vaishnav mother, gained great confidence in the name of “Rāma”. Ultimately, it was this love and faith in the Lord’s name that remained with him till his very last breath.
Universal consciousness had selected Gandhiji to fight for Truth (Satyāgraha). We have all been sent on a mission in this lifetime, and to prepare ourselves for the task and be ready to serve as an instrument, is the highest form of devotion!
If the soil of one is rooted in is right, it is possible to convert every experience to aid and sculpt oneʼs growth. Every insult can heighten the fragrance of oneʼs persona, if one can receive everything in the right spirit.
Pujya Bhaishri says we may agree or disagree with Gandhiji’s choices, but we would be an ungrateful Nation, indeed, if we do not feel deep gratitude and respect for the tremendous sacrifices he made—all for the Nation!
Let us, too, walk on the path governed by both non-violence (ahiṃsā) and Truth (Satya), to follow the blessed footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.
Report by Nimisha Sadhu, Shivani Suchak & Rajesh Purohit. Videography by Abhay Joshi