All along I have been thinking along with so many others that Mahatma Gandhi’s theory of Nonviolence basically meant “NO USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE” Under all circumstances, But recently [came across the book “M.K.Gandhi The Bhagavad-Gita” by M.K Gandhi ORIENT PAPER BACKS A Division of Vision Books Pv. Lid New Delhi. Bombay 5th printing 1993.
This is what it says about Violence, Non Violence and other important concepts.t find these very much farther away from the general views about Gandhi’s philosophy. Anyhow here are some quotes with page numbers from this book. Hope some of your readers will like to respond after reading this book themselves (and not otherwise).
Violence does not consist in the act of cutting off Someone’s head: it consists in the motive behind the act. P. 101.
Non Violence Work done in the Spirit or Yajna (something done: to serve others) and for the benefit of others is Ahimsa, Violence). If these two conditions are fulfilled (no selfishness in our motive and no self-interest) then even the most dreadful seeming act may be regarded as an act of Ahimsa Non Violence) P289
Swadharma (one’s duty). Though devoid of merit, is better than Para dharma so much So that one should prefer to die while doing one’s Swadharma, (P.300), and A Kashatriya has no duty higher than that of fighting in 4 righteous wars. (P.36), If one’s Kinsmen deserve to be killed they ought to be killed; and one must not hesitate even if the entire world were likely to be destroyed in consequence. P27 If the above concepts are O.K with Mahatma Gandhi and his followers, then my question is it alright for many people and sects around the world to pick up arms and fight and Kill as long as they truly believe that they are doing this for unselfish reasons and for the good of others? Daljit Singh Jawa Topeka, KS.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 24, 1993
