Mahatma Gandhi, also known as the Father of the Nation, was one of the most influential leaders of the Indian independence movement and a global icon of peace and non-violence. He followed and advocated a set of principles that shaped his life and his vision for India and the world. These principles are not only relevant for his time, but also for the present and the future generations who seek to create a more just, harmonious and sustainable society. In this article, we will explore some of the key principles of Gandhi and how they can help us to live a better life.
Truth
Truth, or satya, was the core principle of Gandhi’s philosophy. He believed that truth is God and God is truth. He said, “Truth is my religion and ahimsa (non-violence) is the only way of its realization.” He also said, “There is no God higher than truth.” For Gandhi, truth was not just a matter of factual accuracy, but also a moral and spiritual value. He sought to discover and practice the truth in every aspect of his life, from his personal conduct to his political action. He also respected the truth of others, even if he disagreed with them. He said, “I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world. I believe that they are all God-given and I believe that they were necessary for the people to whom these religions were revealed.”
How can we apply this principle in our life?
- We can strive to be honest and truthful in our words, thoughts and deeds. We can avoid lying, cheating, stealing or harming others by our speech or action.
- We can seek to understand and appreciate the truth of other people’s perspectives, beliefs and values. We can avoid judging, criticizing or imposing our views on others.
- We can cultivate a spirit of inquiry and curiosity to learn more about ourselves, others and the world. We can avoid being dogmatic, rigid or closed-minded.
Non-violence
Non-violence, or ahimsa, was the means and the end of Gandhi’s philosophy. He defined non-violence as “the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.” He practiced non-violence not only as a technique of resistance against oppression, but also as a way of life that promotes love, compassion and harmony among all living beings. He said, “Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.” He also said, “Non-violence is not passive but requires courage.”
How can we apply this principle in our life?
- We can refrain from harming ourselves or others by our physical or verbal violence. We can avoid hurting, killing or exploiting any living creature.
- We can resolve our conflicts and differences with others peacefully and constructively. We can avoid anger, hatred or revenge.
- We can express our love and care for ourselves and others through our kindness, generosity and service. We can avoid selfishness, greed or indifference.
Freedom
Freedom, or swaraj, was the goal and the right of Gandhi’s philosophy. He fought for India’s freedom from British colonial rule, but he also envisioned a broader meaning of freedom for every individual and society. He said, “Swaraj means self-rule or self-restraint…It means freedom from all restraints which are not self-imposed.” He also said, “Real swaraj will come not by the acquisition of authority by a few but by the acquisition of capacity by all to resist authority when abused.” For Gandhi, freedom was not just political or external, but also personal and internal. He believed that freedom requires responsibility, discipline and self-control.
How can we apply this principle in our life?
- We can claim our freedom to choose our own path and purpose in life. We can avoid being influenced or controlled by others’ opinions or expectations.
- We can exercise our freedom to express our thoughts and feelings in a respectful and responsible manner. We can avoid being silent or submissive when faced with injustice or oppression.
- We can practice our freedom to develop our talents and potentials in a creative and constructive way. We can avoid being lazy or wasteful of our time and resources.
Equality
Equality, or samata, was the basis and the outcome of Gandhi’s philosophy. He opposed any form of discrimination or domination based on caste, class, race, religion, gender or nationality. He said, “All human beings are born equal…They have therefore equal claim upon society for food clothing residence education medical attendance etc.” He also said, “I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.” For Gandhi, equality was not just a legal or social concept, but also a spiritual and moral value. He believed that equality requires respect, dignity and justice for all.
How can we apply this principle in our life?
- We can recognize and respect the equal worth and rights of every human being. We can avoid discriminating, exploiting or oppressing anyone based on their identity or status.
- We can celebrate and appreciate the diversity and richness of human cultures and traditions. We can avoid stereotyping, ridiculing or rejecting anyone based on their background or beliefs.
- We can work and cooperate with others for the common good and welfare of all. We can avoid competing, hoarding or depriving anyone of their fair share of resources or opportunities.
Mahatma Gandhi’s principles are not only relevant for his time, but also for the present and the future generations who seek to create a more just, harmonious and sustainable society. By following and applying these principles in our life, we can become better human beings and contribute to a better world. As Gandhi said, “Be the change that you want to see in the world.”
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