After learning about Mohandas Gandhi, in what ways do you think he practiced Hinduism? What parts of Hinduism did he emphasize? What parts seemed less important to him? Would he consider himself a good Hindu? Would you agree with his self-assessment?
Around the time of religious struggle in the world, there was a spiritual man named Mohandas K. Gandhi. He was influenced by his early career, as a lawyer. He eventually used this skill combined with his religious passion, to help strengthen his Indian peoples’ religious freedom and social benefits. He practiced civil disobedience and non-violence against the British Empire. He was a vegetarian and believed in the sacredness of the cow. Gandhi was inspired by Jain teachings, such as (Ahimsa) which is the non- injury of any life on earth. The Hindu religion breaks society into the caste system. The caste was based on vocation or jobs. They were also divided on religious or ethic lines. He fought against the discrimination of the outcaste. He believed the poor people earned grace and respect from the gods, as a result of their long suffering and difficult lives. He wanted to modify the caste system to a better standard of living for all the people, not just the highly educated and wealthy people at the top of the caste system. The caste system seemed less important to Mohandas Gandhi. He wanted it to be more flexible so people would receive more equal rights in India. I would think that Mohandas Gandhi was a great Hindu leader. He was a religious reformer; he dedicated his life to truth. He freed millions of Indian people from the British government. He never thought of establishing an army of men, or using violent weapons. He was an amazing religious activist who demonstrated his feelings in a peaceful way. He organized strikes and fasts that mean (one does not eat for a certain period of time during the day). Mohandas Gandhi goal was political freedom for India, and dignity, integrity, and social justice for all his people in India. Many future political leaders were inspired by Mohandas Gandhi’s non-violent protests to bring about social change. He inspired Martin Luther King Jr’s Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s in the United States of America, and Nelson Mandela’s Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa. His thinking still continues to go on after his assassination in 1948. Gandhi's ultimate achievement was that he became a hero to his people, and a martyr in the eyes of the world.
Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wednesday 6:15 to 9:05pm
Professor Susan De George
Fall 2007
5 comments:
It's a great essay Chris. But I'm not sure Gandhi would agree with what you see as his greatest accomplishment (at the end of your posting). What would he say his greatest accomplishment was?
Great feeback on Gandhi. Isn't it wonderful how he carried himself and how respected he was. His ways of directing his peoples was done with principles and couraged. I think that he was one of the best leader like you said of all times. His family should carried his name out with pride.
In my opinion Gandhi was too humble about his political power and accomplishments. I don't think Gandhi was working to become a celebrity. He was always working for others. This was the way he carried out his primary goals.
Sincerely,
Chris
Hello, Professor De George.
The greatest accomplishment of Gandhi was his heart-stopping fight for the independence of India. He never quit the goal he truly wanted. His ultimate dream for his country's independence became true for Indian culture in the year of 1947. This is an amazing goal that was achieved in Mr. Gandhi’s lifetime.
Sincerely,
Chris!
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