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THIS is the ancient Indian philosophy that had inspired Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence

Mahatma Gandhi with Jawaharlal Nehru
Mahatma Gandhi with Jawaharlal Nehru

It all started when the Congress President, on his Dubai visit, held an interaction with students and broached the timeless and ever-intriguing subject of non-violence and Mahatma Gandhi.

“Mahatma Gandhi picked up the idea of non-violence from ancient Indian philosophy, from Islam” was a mere fragment in a 24 minute long speech but was widely ridiculed. It was pretty unfair as he didn’t imply that India’s ancient philosophy, which dates back to 3000 BCE – if not further- was Islam, that reached the western shores of India through trade relations at around the 7th century. If one puts in some effort and listens to the entire segment of Rahul Gandhi’s speech in question – if not the whole of it – one would know that all he was attempting was to suggest was that no religion incites hate or violence.

Rahul Gandhi’s statement continues as, “Mahatma Gandhi picked up the idea of non-violence from our great religions, from ancient Indian philosophy from Islam, from Christianity, from Judaism, from every great religion where it is clearly written that violence will not help anyone achieve anything.” Thereby crediting all these great religions for the non-violence Mahanta Gandhi preached and stood by. Though we appreciate what the youth leader tries to achieve, we are left wondering why, while listing out religions that inspired Mahanta Gandhi, did the Congress chief elude mentioning Indic religions, namely, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, or Sikhism. But that’s a different debate for a different day. The more intriguing question is:

“Where did Mahatma Gandhi actually pick up his idea of non-violence?”

Though the Mahatma had knowledge of a myriad world religions, he had chosen to be a practicing Hindu; but stirred by the doctrines of Jainism, he allowed several virtuous principles of the sect to shape his ideals and philosophy. In fact, contrary to what the Congress chief stated, Gandhi’s political activism, Satyagraha was completely based on the idea of truth and non-violence that had permeated his vision through Jain philosophy.

Jainism thrived in the Indian subcontinent, and Mahavira who lived during the 500 BCE was its 24th teacher. It co-existed with Hinduism and Buddhism for centuries but suffered massive blows of religious persecution in and after the 12th century at the hands of Islamist rulers who had razed down their temples and pilgrimages. We overlook Rahul Gandhi’s ignorance here, for we understand that there are just 3 months remaining for the elections, and being the tallest leader of his camp, there are a gazillion more pressing issues that keep him invested.

But this excuse doesn’t hold water for us. 200 years of British rule followed by 70 years of westernized education has severed the umbilical cord that connected us to our Indic roots. Our heritage was richer and philosophy profounder than any other in the world. Here are some great philosophers of ancient India that shaped the thought process of this land. If you get time, do spend it in reading their works.

Ramanuja: Born in 1075, Sri Bhagavad Rāmānujāchārya, was not only a theologian or a philosopher, but also a significant exponent of the Sri Vaishbavism tradition and his theories stimulate a lively intellectual tradition across the length and breadth of India.

Adi Shankara: For a more recent take on Indian philosophy, pick a book on this 8th century philosopher and theologian who is revered for his works in Sanskrit. He discussed the unity of the ātman and Nirguna Brahman. Adi Shankara is renowned for his systematic commentaries on ancient Indian texts.

Gargi Vachaknavi: A women philosopher from the 7th century BCE , Gargi was an expounder of the vedas. The celibate daughter of sage Vachaknu was famous for contesting and slaying the male philosophers of her time. Her life is an inspiration for the 21st century empowered Indian women.

Gautam Buddha: The founder of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha is whom emperor Asoka, seeking peace of mind, had reached out to. Born as a Kshatriya prince of the Shalkya clan, Siddhartha renunciated all riches and lavishness that life had in store for him, in favor of a greater cause, the cause of humanity. He eradicated all social segmentation and prescribed a way of life that would be free of greed and guile.

Mahavira Jain: As mentioned above, he is believed to be the 24th Tirthankar in the Jain tradition. As a 30-year-old, he abandoned all worldly possessions, left home to pursue spiritual awakening and became an ascetic.

Like Gandhi, a practicing Hindu who followed the prescription of peace laid by Mahavir of Jainism, anyone who is seeking internal calm, irrespective of his religion, and without giving up his faith, can read about these great ancient Indian philosophers and imbibe the nectar of their school of thoughts.