Gandhi Flashcards
In the selection headed “The Gita and the Sermon on the Mount,” consider Gandhi’s discussion of the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Why does he say this section has made such an impression upon him?
It gave him great help in moments of gloom
According to Gandhi, nonviolence is stronger than violence. How, according to him, is this so? What sort of training does he advocate as necessary for the practice of nonviolence? (pp. 106—108)
The first essential training is a living faith in God so they do not have a desire to do evil things; They must pledge to nonviolence (come what may, you will not give way to anger or order about members of your household or lord it over them) and realize that the power of unarmed nonviolence is any day superior to that of armed force
Consider Gandhi’s “5 simple axioms of nonviolence” (p. 110). Especially, pay attention to #2. What does this mean?
“Person for person, the strength of nonviolence is in exact proportion to the ability, not the will, of the nonviolent person to inflict violence” – Meaning, as hard as it is to not inflict violence, is as hard as the strength of nonviolence itself
In the selection headed “Speech on the Eve of the Salt March to Dandi,” how does Gandhi propose that principles of nonviolence might be employed?
Gandhi says that they can violate the salt laws, picket, etc. He says they should just stop cooperating with the government in any way possible
What was the East India Company? (1600)
A British joint-stock company made for trade between Asia and the Pacific; It was the basis of the British economy by the middle of the 1700s
Why was the Salt March also called Saly Satyagraha?
This was a saying that Gandhi popularized; Meaning to know “truth force” because knowing the truth will help on to become liberated
Why did the Salt March gather so much attention?
It was highly publicized and due to the geography of the march it caused large-scale conversation and community amongst people that believed in the same thing
Why was getting your own salt such a big deal!?
Because we need salt to live!! It is a necessity and if something you need to live is right in front of you and open for the world to take, eventually people are going to start taking it
What is an Ayatollah?
A supreme religious leader; Translated from Arabic it means “sign of God”, meaning that they were chosen or marked by God as a spiritual and religious leader
What is swaraj?
Self rule
