Concerning his activities, Gandhi remarked, "Whatever I do, I take upon myself the responsibility for it. Though in the end, internally I leave everything to God. I cannot shirk my responsibility. Except for God, it is my conviction that I cannot disavow my responsibility."
"But that thought should not be there," Baba explained to him. " 'I do ... I think ... I renounce ... I suffer ... I do everything for others.' These thoughts should not be there. If, to the detriment of others, one tries to know and understand God, it creates terrible sanskaras."1
Gandhi said, "Please, give me any advice you have."
"After you are free from the Round Table Conference discussions, retire to a secluded spot and take rest, and for 24 hours automatically think only of God. For the attainment of the Goal, for you, this is the best, the easiest and the shortest path. During that period, come and stay with me for some days."
Gandhi replied, "God Himself will bring that about; He will grant me understanding and create the circumstances. In all earnestness, I look forward to that day." Then he said, "I wish to see you speaking."
Baba only nodded.
Concerning reading that book, Gandhi pointed to the trunk.
Baba replied, "Unfortunately, the key has been left behind in India."
"I will have it opened."
Handing the tin box to Gandhi, Baba explained, "After opening it, bring the case back to me and I will select the things for you to read with my own hands."
"Certainly," Gandhi answered. "It will be my pleasure to read it."
Baba warned him, "Be careful. Up to now I have not allowed anyone to see it — not even my mandali. As the first person to read it, I am giving it to you alone. You may go through it, but allow no one else to read it."
"Assuredly. I will go through it with great joy."
Changing the subject, Baba then advised him:
You are striving and making sacrifices for the advancement of the poor. You love the farmers. It is very noble; it is real service. But do not think that you are responsible for their suffering, because such thoughts create sanskaras. The thought, however, is there and that brings trouble.
You try to please all and don't wish to hurt others' feelings. But considering the numerous parties, castes and creeds in India, it is not possible for you to keep all pleased.
Footnotes
- 1.Through the means of service (karma yoga), Gandhi was trying to see and know God, which was commendable. But as a political leader, he forwarded ideas such as the use of the spinning wheel for preparing khadi and non-cooperation activities, which his followers carried out and suffered by doing so. Consequently, the burden of those sanskaras fell on Gandhi's shoulders.