Samipya 1991 Vol 08 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 101

Acharya Shri Kailassagarsur Gyanmandir
mother maker and silent leader. It is given to her to teach the art of peace to the warrying world thirsting for the nectar. She can become the leader in Satyagraha which does require the learning that books give but does require the stout heart that comes from suffering and faith."
Thus, Gandhiji hinted at what he meant by the spiritualization of a woman's personality. The process of spiritualization has the capability to bring about radical change and even total transformation of a human personality.
Edward Taylor's comments pertaining to the Gandhian concept of soul-force shall further help to understand the process. Edward Taylor writes :
“The Gandhian concept of soul-force is a mystic one and seems to be basically unscientific. Yet the techniques based upon it are probably more effective than any techniques of mass influence that have been developed in our day. They not only win converts to a political cause, they not only generate enthusiasm and lasting morale, they not only produce zealous workers and volunteers for martyrdom, but develop followers into dynamic leaders, capable of attracting new followers, and they have totally refashioned the personalities of millions of Indians. This is no slight result, and the man who has achieved it, the man who has perfected these techniques is surely more than an exhibit in the sideshow of history.
This soul-force is related to spirit (Atmā) and the process of spiritualization (Adhyāmikikaran). Gandhiji attempted to initiate this process amongst woman through his usual methods of personal contact, interviews, letters, writings in magazines like ‘Navjivan', 'Harijan', leaflets and various news papers, speeches delievered at morning and evening prayers and public meetings. Gandhijis published letters to the women inmates of the Ashrams, like Kusumben Desai, Gangaben (Bochasan Ashram-Gujarat), Prabhavati Jayprakash Narayan, Esther Faering, Miraben and others are proofs for the same. The unpublished letters to Gangaben Zaveri and Naniben Zaverio further illustrates this point.
Gandhiji wrote to Miraben that the Ashram was ultimately to be found not at Sabarmati but within one's self.7 Tbis indicates the process by which an individual ego can be merged into the cosmic consciousness. The Ashram was the symbol of the universe. He wrote to Premabahen that the Ashram exists, not merely for the service of the nation, but for the service of the world, through serving the nation one can serve the world and thereby get Moksha, freedom, to have vision of God.8 Gandhiji further explained to Premabahen that, while searching for truth, one integrates one self with each and every life. (“Satya Shodhava Jiva Mātranı Sathe Aikya Sadhvănun Chhe.'). Thus, to Gandhiji, the Ashram was a continously expanding family. The study of these letters shows that Gandhiji worked for psycho-social evolution of a woman. 10
Role of Urban Women in the Indian Freedom Struggle ]
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