Prof. George D. Burch (Massachusetts University, USA) Another scrutinising and critical visitor to Nimbal Prof. George B Burch of U. S. A. has written to 'Aryan Path'in '1958.
"Hindu Gurus as a class have a mixed reputation, some times seeming (at least to a Westerner, to be arrogant, pompous or conceited. I had heard of Gurus, including quite famous ones, who kept themselves in seclusion, refusing to see even their disciples, let alone visitors. But, I took a chance, wrote Ranade a letter, asking permission to visit him and was invited to come. The man I met was the opposite of what I had expected. Small, slight and frail, a mere wisp of a man whom you expect the slightest breeze to blow away, he was neverthless vigorous, not only spiritually and intellectually but also physically. His brisk sprightly step was characteristic of his whole lively personality. Pomposity or unction would be impossible in this humble man, who kept his perspective and sense of humour, even thougn surrounded by disciples for whom he was divine. He was frank and friendly, eager to talk with me, to learn as well as to teach to discuss both his intellectual interests and mine. After telling me about his education, he asked me to tell him about mine. Rapport was established when we discovered a common interest in the pro-Socratics and we exhanged off-prints in the field. We became, close friends immediately. I did not get the impression that this was anything special about me. I believe that he was that way with every body. But for all his humility, a visitor to Nimbal could never be mistaken as to which man was the Guru. Ranade's spirituality shone clearly through every look, word and act. He did not have to pretend to be a saint beca- use he obviously was one.
To love your family and your friends and above all God was Ranade's doctrine and Ranade's life. Spiritual meditation and mistical contemplation were the central activity, of his daily life He was a mystic in the parrinal tradition of the mystic saints. Much as I appreciate Ranade's spiritual and intellectual achievements, it is his loving personality which remember best. Surely for many as for me, he was a friend never to be forgotten. For his disciples he was much more. For India he was one of her great men. In India as also in other countries there are many great scholars, engaged in various researches, many great philosophers with deep insight into reality, many great mystics with ineffable visions, many great teachers who inspire their pupils, many great Souls, Whose integrity and personality are radiant. But we seldom see one person who is all of these at once. Such a one was Shri Ranade, one of these rare spirits, who shows us how fine human nature can be.
R.D. Ranade is a man whose stature in my estimate, has only grown in retrospect... Ranade rejected the theory often advanced, that the Guru chooses the disciple and maintained that the disciple must seek and choose the Guru. When he told me this, a sudden emotion swept over me. Had not Providence or Karma brought me to this venerable man probably the most spiritually advanced person I shall ever know to whom I was aready bound by ties of mutual affection in order that he should be my spiritual preceptor ? Should I not ask him then and there to give me initiation? "
