Gandhi: Essential Writings, The (Oxford World's Classics)

Description:
'those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion means' Mahatma Gandhi was a profound and original thinker as well as one of the most influential figures in the history of the twentieth century. A religious and social reformer, he became a notable leader in the Indian nationalist movement, made famous for his advocacy of non-violent civil resistance. His many and varied writings are essentially responses to the specific challenges he faced, and they show his maturing ideas and political will, as well as his spirituality and humanity, over several decades. This new selection demonstrates how his thinking was truly radical, dealing with problems from the roots upwards: in the lives of individuals, of societies, and of political structures. It underlines the supreme importance of non-violence, and Gandhi's unique and unrealized vision of a new India after the departure of the British.

Table of Contents:
GANDHI, HIS MISSION, AND THE INFLUENCES ON HIM; Gandhi reflects on himself; Gandhis acknowledges the major influences on him; AUTHENTIC HUMAN LIFE AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL; The truly human life; The search for God; True religion and particular religious traditions; Seeking truth through non-violence, self-discipline, and service; TRANSFORMING SOCIETIES; Creating moral societies; Ashrams - centres of personal and social transformation; INDIA UNDER BRITISH RULE: MAKING A NEW NATION; Understanding swaraj; Making swaraj - the Constructive Programme; Making swaraj - key issues; NON-VIOLENCE AS POLITICAL ACTION; The birth of non-violent action; The essence of satyagraha; Appropriate behaviour for satyagrahis; Tactics and dilemmas in satyagraha