The letters presented here are translations of original Gujarati correspondence between Manubhai Pancholi and Mrudulaben Mehta, excerpted from Chetovistarni Yatra. This collection was compiled and published by Mrudulaben Mehta through Sarvoday Sahakari Prakashan Sangh, Lokbharti, Sanosara, Bhavnagar. The book is divided into three thematic sections: letters on literature, letters on history, and letters on contemplation, which collectively offer valuable insights.
— Dr. Purvi N. Upadhyay
Asst. Professor (English)
Government Arts College, Talaja
Dist. Bhavnagar
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Chiranjiv* Mrudula,
According to Lord Krishna, self discipline is also a form of austerity, since it requires curving other interest and pursuits. In Indian civilisation, Lord Krishna is revered as the only epitome of perfection, offering unparalleled guidance on life’s multifaceted aspects. Lord Krishna’s teachings cover various aspects of life, including, physical discipline, education, philosophy, art and aesthetic philosophy, culture and social dynamics, all illustrated with practical examples.
In Sanosara, a young farmer’s death weighed heavily on my mind. I repeatedly chanted “Shnatakaram Bhujagshayanam”**. Despite reclining on a serpent bed, Lord Vishnu exemplifies perfect calmness. What a profoundly touching and thought provoking point the poet has made!
* *. *
Having directed Mukharaj there, you must have gained some understanding of the importance of verbal and physical acting, essential for a skilled actor.
Apart from these two elements, the play’s theme should neither be too elevated nor too mundane for the audience. Additionally, it should have the power to elevate and engage the viewer; this power is achieved by valuing the three elements of introduction, development and resolution; all the three should be at their highest. When these elements are optimised, other aspects like costumes and decorations can add richness to the performance. Wiesenthal*** spent twenty years tracking down high ranking Nazi officials, including Eichmann. His memoir, ‘The Murderers Amongst Us’ offers a gripping and insightful account of his experiences.
Blessings of Manubhai
*In a personal letter to a younger person, this salutation conveys blessings and good wishes for a long life.
**The mantra is used to invoke Lord Vishnu’s presence for inner peace, protection, and guidance through life’s challenges. It is often chanted to remove fear and anxiety.
***Simon Wiesenthal (31 December 1908 – 20 September 2005) was an Austrian Holocaust survivor, Nazi hunter, and writer.
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Chiranjiv* Mrudula,
Tomorrow is Janmashtami, and I, being here, have to share something. Had Lord Krishna’s teachings been followed, the Mahabharata war would have been averted, rendering war altogether unnecessary, the Brahmins who performed Yajna would have abandoned violent Yajna and the concept of Sannyasa (Renunciation) might have retained its original context as the fourth stage of life (Chaturthashram**), rather than emerging as a separate path to salvation. The Gita introduces many forms of Yajna and has made the revolutionary statement that Japa Yajna is the most superior practice. Karma can never be abandoned, without being aware of its fruits. In this context, the path of renunciation (Sannyasa) is forbidden. Had Lord Krishna’s teachings bin followed, there would have been no opposition of Buddhism regarding upper and lower caste system, since he has said that Varna system (Social classification) is based on merit and karma, rather than birth. And by enjoying buttermilk of the shepherds and carrying for the cows, Lord Krishna even exemplified this; but if people had believed the visionaries why would individuals like us need to strive to work! Good thing, we didn’t obey!
The biographers of Lord Krishna have not recorded whether he went to Gokul after leaving Mathura. They must have found detachment in this act of Lord Krishna; but for a loving friend like him, it is unthinkable that he had not paid the visit. It is unimaginable that the one who tenderly cared for the lapwing bird, has not warmly embraced the Gopies, Nand and Yeshoda (Let us set Radha’s character aside, as she was included later in the narrative). Lord Krishna, being a perfect being, manifests in whatever form one desires to behold.
Blessings of Manubhai
*In a personal letter to a younger person, this salutation conveys blessings and good wishes for a long life.
**Chaturashram, also known as Chaturashrama, refers to the four stages of human life in Hinduism: Brahmacharya(student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired), and Sannyasa (renunciate).
