Satyagraha

I really like the way Gandhi describes satyagraha more as a practice, philosophy and a way of life. I feel in that way it is similar to Nhat Hanh’s views of the interconnectedness of the people in the world, and that love is the underlying factor. Gandhi explains that satyagraha is part of the soul and how love and truth are the most important parts of the soul and in that case satyagraha as well. Gandhi believed that satyagraha and the essence of non-violence is essential to all religions, and in that case, it applies to all the people religious people in India, that we just need to realize this. He gives on example that is especially intriguing is one that he uses of a father and his son. The idea is that a beaten son conquers his fathers anger through love and submission, and the father actions are also out of love. It is surprising the love Gandhi shows to the oppressors. How even their actions are out of love and that they just need to be shown the truth. The truth it seems, is something that is mutual and it isn’t about imposing 1 truth upon another persons, but more so about how the knowledge of both sides will help to creates ones own truth. Realizing the truth is how people will find what is just or unjust and opening a persons eyes to view something from a different perspective will change them. Similar to how viewing different situations from a non-violent perspective will greatly impact the type of action taken in a situation.