and chooses those of the people.
It is difficult, Pranav, for most people to understand this perception: that unless you renounce politics you cannot influence it. But Acharyas like Vasistha were the Kulgurus of Dasartha and Rama. They were respected for their knowledge, their sage advice, and were acceptable to all. They held no political power. Many amongst us who view India with western eyes find it difficult to understand this role. Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan, Vinoba were such Acharyas. They never held political posts. They refused the values of the power structure. But they tremendously influenced India.
Vinoba wanted this role of Acharyas to be institutionalised by forming an Acharyakula. He wanted teachers to play this role. He wanted teachers to define Dharma or the context for politicians to behave within those limits.
With love,
Yours, L.N. Godbole
Letter SO
26th August, 1990 My dear Pranav,
Vinoba was basically a teacher. He has given us a wonderful idea in his book on education.
He says that in all the 14 languages listed in the Constitution of India there is no word for teaching. In English, there are two separate words “teach” and “learn”. In Indian languages the root word is learn. For “teaching” , derived words are coined on the basis of the root word “learn”.
We can learn. We can help learning. In Indian languages, teaching is not a separate verb. Teaching expressess the ego of teachers. You cannot teach anyone, you can only make learning
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