Question

Which of the following are the essential principles of Gandhi's idea of 'Satyagraha'? i. Self-Suffering ii. Non-Violence iii. Truth iv. Love

• A. Only ii & iii
• B. Only ii , iii & iv
• C. Only i, ii & iii
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

D. All of the above

Understanding Mahatma Gandhi's 'Satyagraha'

• Satyagraha, coined by Mahatma Gandhi, literally means 'holding firmly to truth' (Satya meaning truth, and Agraha meaning insistence or holding firmly). It is a philosophy and practice of nonviolent resistance.

• It was developed by Gandhi in South Africa during his campaigns against racial discrimination and later became a powerful tool in India's struggle for independence.

Core Principles of Satyagraha:

• Truth (Satya):

  • Gandhi believed that Truth is the ultimate reality and the very essence of God.

  • Satyagraha is fundamentally about seeking and adhering to this truth, which is not just factual accuracy but also moral and spiritual truth.

  • It implies that the satyagrahi (one practicing Satyagraha) must always be open to learning and correcting their own understanding of truth.

• Non-Violence (Ahimsa):

  • Ahimsa is the means to achieve Satya. It is not merely the absence of physical violence but also the absence of ill-will, hatred, and mental violence towards the oppressor.

  • Gandhi viewed Ahimsa as an active, positive force of love and moral courage, not a passive resignation to evil.

  • It aims to convert the opponent through an appeal to their conscience, rather than coercing them through fear or physical force.

• Self-Suffering (Tapasya):

  • Voluntary self-suffering is a crucial element, where the satyagrahi endures pain without retaliation, aiming to touch the opponent's heart and conscience.

  • Gandhi believed that suffering purifies the individual and demonstrates the depth of their commitment to truth and non-violence.

  • It is a moral weapon that aims to evoke empathy and a sense of justice in the oppressor, leading to a change of heart.

• Love:

  • Love is the underlying force that binds all principles of Satyagraha. It is the practical manifestation of Ahimsa.

  • A satyagrahi must harbor no hatred towards the opponent and must act with the belief that even the most oppressive individuals are capable of redemption through love.

  • It seeks to transform the relationship between the oppressor and the oppressed from one of conflict to one of mutual respect and understanding.