Beyond Gandhism

It is important to revisit what Gandhiji stood for and the qualities that transformed him. Not that there is a dearth of knowledge about qualities that can make a man into a mahatma. Gandhiji focused on just two - truth and nonviolence, which in his view were as old as the Himalayas. However, what was required was a firm belief in those ideals and courage to pursue them. His prescription was no rocket science - practice what you preach and be the change you want to see in the world.

He acknowledged that there was no such thing as Gandhism. For Gandhiji, it was simple humanism, laced with character, courage and compassion that did the trick. He gave a simple formula for acquiring this crucial injunction. He stated, 'Whenever you are in doubt, try the following expedient: recall the face of the poorest and the most helpless man you have ever seen, and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he be able to gain anything by it? Will it restore to him control over his life and destiny?'

His rule for life was simple living and high thinking, and his tools were 'niyam and sanyam', that is, discipline and self-control. His religion was based on love, which he thought had the magical power to transform even the staunchest enemy. His belief in the ultimate goodness of man shaped his individuality. For him, spirituality was humanity in practice. The crux of Gandhian philosophy, rooted in Taittiriya Upanishad, is encapsulated in the injunction 'Satyam vada, Dharmam chara' - speak the truth and follow path of righteousness.