Gurudev Dr. R. D. Ranade

Prof. R. D. Ranade was born on 3rd July 1886 at Jamkhandi in Karnataka state, India. He passed his M.A. (Philosophy) from the University of Bombay (Now,Mumbai), standing FIRST in the university and won the Chancellor's Gold Medal as also Justice K.T. Telang Gold Medal,1914.

He had already started his spiritual journey from 1901 and followed it continuously. He worked as a Professor of Philosophy in Fergusson College, Pune and then in Allahabad University. He was the Dean of the faculty of Arts for three terms. He also officiated as a Vice-Chancellor for some time. He was conferred as Honorary D.Lit., in 1947, by the Allahabad University for his unique contribution to the world of philosophy. By now, he was famous all over the world as an ideal teacher, distinguished scholar and renowned mystic.

His founding of 'Adhyatma Vidyapeetha', the Spiritual University and his authorship of learned treatises on Comparative Philosophy and Religion were the outcome of his constant Endeavour to know, experience and live the 'Truth'.

He left his mortal coil on 6th June 1957.

He belonged to the spiritual lineage of Nimbargi Sampradaya, which originated from Revana Siddha of the Nath Heritage. Among his close followers and disciples he was more popularly known as 'Gurudev'. All further references to Prof. R. D. Ranade will be made as 'Gurudev'.

Gurudev was a mystic philosopher. He considered:

• The philosopher's supreme business is to bring about peace and harmony in the society, the state and the world at large.
• When a philosopher speaks about his spiritual experiences he is neither a Hindu, nor a Muslim, nor a Christian. He is a citizen of the world and for the matter of fact, a citizen of the 'spiritual world'.
• The philosopher endeavours to realize the nature of the Ultimate Reality for himself and to see this is spread out into society.
• The mystic may be a Philosopher, but is not necessarily so. His mystic experience is sufficient for his own elevation into Divinity; but if philosophises, he may raise thinking humanity into a Divine Kingdom of Ends.