Bidspirit auction | GANDHI MAHATMA: (1869-1948)

GANDHI MAHATMA: (1869-1948) - GANDHI MAHATMA: (1869-1948) Indian political and spiritual leader during the Indian independence movement. A.L.S., Bapu , one page, 8vo, Sevagram, Wardha, Maharashtra, 10th March 1942, to Behramji Khambhatta, on handmade paper with a printed letterhead from Gandhi´s ashram, in Gujarati. Gandhi writes, in full, (translated) ´I hear that you have again fallen ill. If you have survived so many illnesses in the past, why may you not survive this one, too? But after all we are in God’s hands. He will do what He wills. Let not, therefore, your serenity be affected´ , and concludes by sending his blessings. Numbered 7562 to the upper left margin and published in T he Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi. Some very light, minor age wear, VG Dr. Behramji Khambhatta was an Indian physician and a longstanding friend and correspondent of Gandhi. Their surviving correspondence extends from at least 1926 until 1942 and frequently concerns matters of health: Gandhi repeatedly enquired after Khambhatta's well-being, while Khambhatta in turn offered Gandhi medical advice and remedies. The warmth of their relationship is evident in Gandhi's letters, which regularly convey blessings to both Khambhatta and his wife, Tehmina. The present letter is characteristic of Gandhi's deeply held belief that physical suffering should be met with spiritual equanimity and acceptance of divine will. His reassurance to the frequently ailing Khambhatta — that, ultimately, “we are in God's hands” — reflects the close relationship between bodily discipline, faith and serenity that ran throughout Gandhi's philosophy. Written in March 1942, it also dates from a momentous year in Gandhi's political life: only five months later he would launch the Quit India movement, issuing his celebrated call to the Indian people to “Do or Die” in the struggle for independence.