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| Non-Violent Teachings of Gandhi: A Philosophical Study — A representative image. |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | NON-VIOLENT TEACHINGS OF GANDHI |
| Article Credit | International Research Journal of Management Sociology & Humanity (IRJMSH), ISSN: 2277-9809 (Online) 2348-9359 (Print), Vol.: 11, Issue: 1, Year: 2020, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | Dr. Umeshwar Yadav (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Philosophy, C.R. College, Bisun, Kisanpur, Samastipur) |
| Subject | A critical study of Mahatma Gandhi's theory of non-violence, its philosophical roots in Indian tradition, and its practical application as a means to truth. |
| Category | Philosophy |
| Institution | C.R. College, Bisun, Kisanpur, Samastipur |
| Country of Publication | India |
| Main Topics | Gandhi's concept of non-violence (ahimsa), Relationship between truth and non-violence, Yoga philosophy and the five vows of Yama, Positive and negative aspects of ahimsa, Non-violence as strength, not weakness, Role of faith in God in practicing ahimsa, Vedic and Upanishadic roots of non-violence |
| Number of Pages | 4 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 381.5 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This paper presents a systematic and critical study of Mahatma Gandhi's theory of non-violence (ahimsa), situating it within the broader context of Indian philosophical traditions. The author, Dr. Umeshwar Yadav, argues that while modern science and technology have brought external development, internal psychological development has lagged, leading to violence and conflict. Gandhi's contribution lies in reviving the eternal principle of non-violence as a means to truth, applicable to contemporary societal problems. The paper traces Gandhi's concept of ahimsa to the Yoga philosophy of Patanjali, particularly the five vows of Yama, which Gandhi expanded to include fearlessness and faith in God. It distinguishes between the negative aspect of non-injury and the positive aspect of universal love, emphasizing that true non-violence requires inner strength and freedom from fear, anger, and hatred. The author highlights Gandhi's view that non-violence is not for the weak but for the strong, and that it presupposes the ability to strike yet chooses restraint. The paper also underscores the importance of a living faith in God as a fundamental condition for practicing ahimsa, and it traces the roots of Gandhi's philosophy to the Vedas and Upanishads, which are replete with prayers for fearlessness and universal love. Overall, the paper offers a comprehensive analysis of Gandhi's non-violent teachings, emphasizing their philosophical depth and practical relevance.
Core Themes
- Ahimsa as the means to truth
- Integration of Indian philosophical virtues
- Non-violence as active strength
- Faith in God as foundation for non-violence
- Vedic and Upanishadic influences on Gandhi
Keywords
About Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi lived from 1869 to 1948. Born in India, he trained as a lawyer and became a political thinker. Colonial rule repelled him. He opposed it fiercely and eventually led India’s independence movement.
Gandhi pioneered Satyagraha, the power of truth and nonviolent resistance. He put these ideals into practice during political and social upheavals. Over twenty years in South Africa shaped his thinking. That’s where he developed his tactics of nonviolent defiance. He returned to India in 1915 and launched major movements against British rule. Non-Cooperation Movement. Salt March. Quit India Movement. Each one challenged colonial domination.
In 1883 he married Kasturba Gandhi. Marriage and family life remained central to who he was. He spoke powerfully about his beliefs. His writing included Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha in South Africa, and The Story of My Experiments with Truth, his autobiography.
His vision stretched beyond political independence. Religious harmony mattered to him. Social equality. Self-reliance. Women’s rights. Ending untouchability. All of these were part of what he fought for.
Nonviolence and Satyagraha shaped movements worldwide. Civil rights activists drew from his example. Freedom struggles across the globe felt his influence. His approach changed how people thought about resistance and change.
Complete Gandhi Research Collection
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