S3 IN THE VISION OF GOD
men of Kasarago d for contributions and also accepted small
sums from the poorer classes. On request Anandrao managed
the afiair. The hillock of Bamgiri was selected for the
feeding, and a Saturday was fixed for the purpose.
Due preparations were made, and by midday nearly a
thousand people assembled at the appointed place. The
principal classes represented were cobblers, pariahs and
fishermen. Although these classes were looked upon as
untouchables by the higher castes, even as among them-
selves they had distinctions. They sat down for meals in
three different lines. The meals were served. Kamdas felt
that he should also Join them in the dinner. So he took his
seat in the line of the pariahs. The raja yogi and the new
sannyasi* seating themselves in front of Ranidas, ate with
him from, the common leaf. Whilst eating thus the precious
gift of the gods, he experienced inexpressible joy.
For Ramdas there was no distinction of any kind. The
idea of superiority and inferiority on any groand is born of
utter ignorance. Wars, strife and misery in the world are
all there because of these inequalities. While the inner spirit
of all life and manifestation is one, where is room for caste,
class, creed, race and colour distinctions? The darkest blot
on the purity and beauty of the universal life is "untoucha-
bility." It is like a tar stain on a white canvas. Harmony,
peace and freedom can be attained only by the realisation
of the inner unity of all life, and equality in all its outer
expression.
Ramdas* Gurndev who lived with his son Anandrao,
one day came to the hut on the hill with great difficulty.
The infirmities of age had told upon his otherwise strong
constitution. He brought with him a tender cocoanut and
some sweet home-made bread. Ramdas was continuing to
live merely on milk and fruit. G-urudev insisted on his eat-
ing the bread. Ramdas begged of him to be excused. Being
touched, and tears welling up in his eyes, G-urudev urged
hitn again to eat the bread, but lie was firm and would not