Philosophy and Spirituality of Srimad Rajchandra

Śrîmad Rajchandra, one of the greatest yogis and philosophers of last century, has given us a religion less religion. According to him philosophy and metaphysics constitute a huge tree, its root is religion of the self (atma-dharma) and its purpose, aim or object is welfare of the individual and the society, which solely depends on knowing and realizing the self. Different systems of faith and religions are nothing but the branches of the tree. He says that the above mentioned aim and object can be achieved only by the process of knowing the self and its nature, always thinking of the self and its nature and dwelling in contemplation of the self and its nature (atma-bhāvanā). This is, in short, his message to the world. This process, for him, is religion and the path to achieve self-realization and the consequent bliss.

I am very happy that my friend Shri. U. K. Pungaliya chose for the thesis of his Ph.D. the subject "Philosophy and Spirituality of Shrimad Rajchandra." On his being awarded the doctorate, he revised the thesis which is now being published in this book form.

My acquaintance with Shri Pungaliya commenced during the freedom movement of 'Quit India' in 1942 when he joined us in the Yeravada Reformatory Prison, and was allotted a place in the same room which my respected father, myself and some other friends occupied.

Reformatory prison lodged about 300 A class detenues from Western Maharashtra, Bombay and Gujarat, consisting of renowned scholars, professors, professionals, businessmen and constructive workers. During the freedom movement prisons became informal universities for indoctrination of young generation.

In our prison Acharya Bhagwat, a great scholar and Gandhian Philosopher gave discourses every Sunday on 'A Critique of Philosophy'. In his masterly way he covered the history and development of religious thoughts, from ancient times till date, of all religions and philosophies.

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