Vinobha is right!’

Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation, established an Ashram on the banks of River Sabarmati, around 1917, and began to live there. He followed a simple lifestyle and practiced egalitarianism. Gandhiji always stood on his principle, to the end. He also followed the rules and regulations in the Ashram like others and never considered himself above it.
Mahatma Gandhi, an ardent devotee of the Lord, was in the habit of holding congregational worship along with Rama Nama bhajan. Finding the Ashram filled with peace and contentment many came to live with him. He undertook to guide the novices in adjusting themselves to the Ashram life. It was community living where all had to take part in the activities of the Ashram viz. cooking, cleaning, etc.
Discipline was the primary factor in Gandhiji’s life: at the same time he was very considerate and loving towards the deprived and the downtrodden. This character is seen in his disciples, too.
When fund collection in connection with the freedom struggle was being made, a lady offered a counterfeit coin to Gandhiji, as her share. A devotee of Gandhiji who was by his side pointed out to him, “This is a counterfeit coin.”
But Gandhiji said to him, “This is invaluable because she had only this with her. Yet, she has given it away.”
Thus, did Gandhiji respond to the inner feelings of people.
Acharya Vinoba Bhave was the foremost disciple of Gandhiji. He was born in a Brahmin family. Even as a youth he felt attracted to Gandhiji’s principles and embraced the Ashram life. A great social worker, he took up the responsibility of Sabarmati Ashram after Gandhiji. He had the knack of convincing others of his principles and was capable of making them embrace it, too.
Once, he met a Zamindar [Landlord] in connection with Bhoodan movement. But the Zamindar was very rude to him and refused to donate any funds. Undaunted, Vinobaji said to him, “I have not come to you seeking monetary help. I only request you to join me in my social service activities.”
The Zamindar, half-heartedly, agreed to it. But within a few days, on seeing Vinobaji’s selfless and sacrificial nature, the Zamindar offered huge sum for his work.
Let us now see a very touching incident in the life of this great Vinobaji.
In those days, there were only dry latrines [toilets] in Sabarmati Ashram. Human excreta was collected and taken away by men employed for the purpose. It was so in most of the Indian villages. An old man attended to this work in Sabarmati Ashram. One day, this old man fell ill. As he could not attend to his duty he sent his grandson who was only ten years old to do this work. The little boy cleaned the toilet but found the bucket too heavy to lift. The boy was struggling to lift the bucket. Fear gripped the little one as he could not carry out the work. Vinoba Bhave who saw him struggle with the bucket felt touched. He at once lent a helping hand. He lifted the bucket and helped him clean the place. Only then did he feel at peace. What loving heart! But many did not approve his action. Therefore, he was not permitted inside the Ashram. Gandhiji was not in the Ashram at the time and on his return the matter was reported to him. Everyone expected Gandhiji to admonish Vinobaji. But Gandhiji remained quiet for a while and then said, “What Vinoba Bhave has done is right. From now all should take up the work of cleaning the toilets.”
Children! Are not Gandhiji, the Father of our Nation, and his disciples filled with humility, love, sympathy and equality?