The Inspiration
Pandurang Shastri Athawale was born on 19th October 1920 at village Roha in the Konkan region of western Maharashtra, India. His grandfather, persuaded young Pandurang to get acquainted with Sanskrit language, Upanishadic teachings, and ancient spiritual and religious traditions. Shastriji's father started a Sanskrit class (pathshala) in Mumbai to propagate the message and teachings of the Gita. The school is still located in the thickly populated area of south Mumbai where every Sunday, a pravachana (discourse) on Gita or Upanishad is held. Shastriji has upheld this tradition for almost fifty years, from 1954 to date.
In 1954 Shastriji was invited to Japan for the second World Philosophic Parliament. There he impressed the audience, as well as the participating dignitaries, by his thorough knowledge of Indian scriptures and their novel interpretation. He, in particular, threw light on the life and teachings of Sri Krishna of the Gita. After the conference, Shastriji was, in fact, invited by the Nobel Laureate Mr. Compton to visit and stay in America for five years with an offer of Rs. One Lac and all the perks per year. But he modestly refused the offer and on his return to India started discussing with his friends the future course of action to revive rishi culture of yesteryears.
As an appreciation of his work and in recognition of his efforts to apply spiritual concepts to improve socio-spiritual status of the masses, Sri Athawale is honored with the prestigious awards like:
1. Magsaysay Award -- the 'Asian Nobel Prize',
2. Templeton Award --highest international award in the field of religion and its application to social uplift,
3. He is also honored with the Padma Bhushana conferred upon him by the Government of India.
His Message
Based on his deep and thorough study of the Gita and Upanishads, Shastriji has drawn out essentials contained therein and attempted to employ the same in uplifting the masses from the depths of tamasic inactivity. He has tried to bring back the invigorating message of strength and hope from the ancient scriptures and attempted to reestablish dignity of man, not only as a man but also as the 'spark of divine'. His deep understanding and thorough study of Indian religious traditions, as well as both Eastern and Western philosophies, has led him to the conclusion that the present day situation calls for establishing Yogeshwar Krishna -Krishna of The Gita, as the ideal for this age.
Shastriji believes that enlightenment of the youth in the proper spiritual perspective is the only hope for survival and growth of humanity by revival of the ancient rishi culture. Spread of education and literacy in general, and objective rationality of science in particular, has armed the skeptics to put such questions as:
"Can you show me God in this image of stone or this photo-frame?" Or, "If a temple is abode of the God, why such corruption there, under the very nose of the Lord?"
Youth should be prepared to answer these and similar questions with confidence, Shastriji often says. True teachings of the Gita and Upanishads should be imparted to the young aspirants, both in the cities and villages, so that they can go in the society (with due modesty and humility) and emphatically impress upon others their point of view. Hindu philosophical thought can and should become savior of mankind, maintains Shastriji. He is totally against 'akarmanyata' -- inaction, and eulogizes ayachaka vritti -- non-receiving of gifts, charity, etc.
Various Projects as Forms of Sadhana
Shastriji believes that the whole life and activities of a sadhaka should become an act of service and gratitude to the God. Therefore, the projects and activities undertaken by swadhyayi are in fact a form of sadhana.
1. Individual Sadhana
For this Pandurang Shastri Athawale exhorts everyone to remember God at least three times a day: Trikal Sandhya as it is called. This is the minimum and basic requirement for a person to become Swadhyayi. This 'ritual' may appear too simplistic, but it has a great power to stimulate the confidence of presence of God all around and at all time. The time for remembrance is i) after getting up in the morning, ii) before the midday meal, and iii) at the time of retiring to bed at night. A few Sanskrit verses from Gita or other sources have been selected to be recited at the particular hour.
Bhakti-Pheri
To start with Swadhyayis visit their neighbors (later they go to far-off lands, even overseas, for such Bhakti Pheris) with the idea that the 'divine' in me resides in the heart of others also: Sarvasya Chaham hridi sannivistho... (Gita XV, Verse 15). This concept of 'divine brotherhood', and - indwelling God, prompted Swadhyayis to meet others out of love and without any expectations of profit or gain. The main emphasis is on 'bhakti as a social force'. The same philosophy is behind self development through bhava-pheri, ekadashi and tirtha-yatra --regular visits on the eleventh day of lunar cycle and staying in a village or taluqua place for a week or so an act of pilgrimage.
2. Social Projects As Sadhana
Matysa-Gandha
After introducing the concepts and practice of trikal sandhya and bhakti-pheri, Swadhyayis encouraged the fishermen on the coast of Maharashtra and Gujarat to surrender their one day collection at the holy feet of Yogeshwar Krishna. The money thus collected did not belong to any particular person. A big fishing boat was purchased out of this money - Matysa Gandha. The fishermen themselves decided to contribute their one day labour as a service to Lord. Thus every fortnight this boat was put in the service of the Lord and the money collected by selling the catch of fish on that day was surrendered at the Holy Feet of Krishna. Every fortnight different persons would be on the boat. Moreover, everyone went of his own accord and as a worshiper - pujari. Therefore, the money thus collected belonged to the Lord and not to any one particular person. This money was offered as consecrated item -prasad - to the needy in the village irrespective of caste or other considerations and without any pomp or show.
Many other projects are being envisaged like
Amrutalayam, a place for worship of Chosen Ideal for all religions; Patanjali Chikitsalaya a unique way of bringing health and confidence to the village people by not only offering them correct medical treatment, but also by enlightening them by way of talks on social and spiritual health; conduction of examination to stimulate and maintain the interest in the teachings of the ancient Hindu Scriptures including the Gita and Upanishads.
Newer Projects include cleaning the dead wells, attempts to raise water level by various simple but effective means, and similar experiments are encouraged to bring about social prosperity, self-confidence, human dignity, and of course love for God in general masses. This draws out values of loyalty towards work, selflessness, and gratitude towards God. The work is set to mean worship. The dignity of labour is put on the high pedestal it deserves, and that too, in the spirit of worker thinking himself/herself to be an agent of Lord Krishna!