Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist: "In class, your small groups went over movie questions about the content in Gandhi. You should know who each of the main characters are and t..."

Gandhi believed in the Hindu idea of self-sacrifice and non violence, also known as Ahimsa. Gandhi fought for independence from British with non violence. He protested without giving up even though the British used violence against them. Gandhi started the protest by burning the pass and then stepped up to bigger protest such as the protest to salt factory, which is run by the British. In addition, he also believed the benefit of self-sacrifice. He believed that when one sacrifices oneself with a good will, it will benefit the neighbors. Gandhi sacrificed his time and high status in order to achieve the benefit of his people. Gandhi became one of the untouchable, the Dalits, from wealthy status and sacrificed many hard times in jail. Gandhi was a strong advocate of Hinduism, however, he treated others religions with equality and tolerance.

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall – think of it, ALWAYS,” is one of Gandhi’s quotes. I feel that this is one of his most powerful quotes. His protest for independence was possible from Gandhi’s belief that truth and love always beats tyrants and violence in the end. His strong faith allowed him to be persistent on winning over the independence. Furthermore, his belief passed on to the others, and gave them strength and unity, resulting in succession of winning back power from the British.