Arun Bhatt, lovingly called "Arun-dada", dedicated his life to simplicity, service, and nonviolence. Born as the son of freedom fighters, Arun-dada spent parts of his childhood in jails, an unlikely setting where he encountered remarkable forces of love. At 19, he walked across India with Gandhi's spiritual successor, Vinoba Bhave, as part of the Bhoodan (Land Gift) Movement. His untiring equanimity and gentle compassion has dispelled tensions while held at gunpoint, and given rise to remarkable journeys of transformation. He has never sold his labor in all his decades, even after marriage and raising two children. "Nature will give me whatever I need, even if that means suffering," he notes. Every aspect of his life has been a gift that is offered to, and accepted by him. Arun-dada passed away yesterday, Sept 2, 2024, at nearly 91 years of age. He is remembered by many as a humble ray of light, who quietly blessed all in his presence, without ever trying to.
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