A thought for today

A series of reflections by M K Gandhi, under the title 'A Thought For the Day', fetched a record ₹6.2 cr in an online auction. Though meant for his associate Anand Hingorani to overcome his personal grief, they were an intellectual and moral exercise intended for his personal guidance, his lived philosophy and practical wisdom for the conduct of life. It is an account of self-discipline and moral conviction primarily meant for himself. He wanted to live up to his ideals before he could preach his values to others.

Gandhi was ever the seeker. As poet Iqbal says, 'I have always been wandering/ seeking my inner self/ As if I am myself the voyager/ and the destination.' The key themes of these thoughts centre on Truth, the ultimate foundation of moral life; ahimsa; power of the powerless; mastery of senses, and service to God through service to humanity. This was the path to self-regulation and Self- realisation, overcoming fear to gain strength for moral resistance and freedom.

Historian Louis Fischer says Gandhi did not preach religion; he was a living sermon. He had authority devoid of power. Power is the attribute of a machine; authority is the attribute of a person. Gandhi's rejection of power enhanced his authority. Power feeds the blood and tears of its victims; authority is fed by service, sympathy and affection. In a world racked by fear and fracture, his thoughts remain remarkably relevant.