Recently I watched the film ‘Gandhi’, a biographical film of the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Using non-violent resistance Ghandi led the people of India to independence from British Colonial rule.
This is a beautiful film, which gives an insight into how a quiet lawyer ended up being such an inspirational and courageous leader to a whole nation. What really struck me about Gandhi was the simplicity and purity of the principles that he spoke of and lived his life by. These principles are as applicable and needed in today’s world as they were in India during Gandhi’s lifetime. They include:
- Truth
- Nonviolence
- Simplicity
- Faith
He saw prejudice and discrimination happening around him, firstly in South Africa and then in India when he returned there. He never pretended these things were not happening or buried his head in the sand. He was brave and honest as well as gentle and peaceful. He saw injustice and knew that it was wrong but he also knew that nothing is achieved by retaliating and inflicting the same on another. He knew truth wins in the end, but also that it was necessary to resist the temptation to resort to the same methods as those hurting him. He also had an amazing insight into human psychology. He knew by judging others actions was to deny the fact that we are all capable of doing bad things. Through non-violent non co-operation he shone a light upon the atrocities inflicted upon him and his people and he also described this as a way to teach his aggressors that there is a better way. He wasn’t passive or weak and never advocated that others were. He advocated that evil is always resisted, in a non-violent way. He had amazing faith that truth would win in the end, and it did.
If you haven’t seen this film, I really recommend that you do. It really made me think of the difference applying these principles would make to my own life and the world in general. Gandhi showed that through gentleness, simplicity and truth how we live and our impact on others can be transformed beyond what we might think is possible. I will leave you with some inspiration from the man himself:
“Gentleness, self-sacrifice and generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion.”
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
“Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.”
“Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.”
I like the quote "Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress". When going for what we want, we can't expect everyone to agree with us. If anything, you know you're truly representing what you believe when people begin to disagree or even criticize.
Hi Ben,
Great to see you here. I really liked that quote too ... I think sometimes people are scared of disagreement but when done properly (and honestly as Ghandi said) it gives us the opportunity to move forward. Good point as well, I think anyone that is doing big things in the world will have people that disagree or criticize. I think Ghandi showed that real change can be made this way and disagreement doesn't mean you have to fight with the other person or disrespect them.
Thanks Ben
Jen
I like the story of Ghandi. I think I it can be inspiring in many ways, especially in relation with finding happiness and standing up for something. Few people do.
Hi Eduard!
I do too, I think as you say he is a great example of how to stand up for what you believe in. I like the fact that he didn't make his opposers wrong as well. He was an amazing man.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jen
Hi Jen,
Happy to meet you! I have been meaning to visit as I have seen your warm pic a number of times
I especially enjoyed your comment, "...that Ghandi didn't make his opposers wrong as well." When conviction is involved it is easy for disagreements to escalate -- unfortunately to levels of war.
Your comment is a reminder that everyone has a valid point / position and we can co-exist peacefully. If it can be done on a grand scale, may it be done with each of us.
Have a Great Day,
Kim
Hi Kim!
Lovely to meet you too and thanks so much for visiting! I am glad my picture come across as warm.
Yeah, not making his opposer's wrong really stuck out for me about Ghandi. I think it can be a hard thing to do, but so powerful...he came across as incredibly wise. This approach helps to diffuse disagreements and if they ensue keeps a level of respect alive. As you said we all have a valid opinion - approaching life this way makes life more peaceful for everyone.
Have a great day too Kim.
Jen
Jen,
As popular as this film is, I've not seen it yet; can you believe it. However, I never cease to be amazed how a gentle man such as Ghandi managed to lead the millions of people to use his non-violent resistance methods and civil disobedience.
The quotes at the end of this inspirational post are truly worth committing to memory. My favourite is;
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
Thank you for sharing.
Regards
Paul
Paul´s last blog ..Forgiveness
Hi Paul
I know, I've been meaning to see it for ages too...it is a really good film and for me really captured the essence of everything I had read about Ghandi. He came across as so gentle yet so strong and had an almost other worldly aura about him. He achieved so much by approaching life in this way.
I loved that quote too! My other favourite was:
"I think it would be a good idea."
(when asked what he thought of Western civilization)
First of all, this is surely one wonderful post. Some people believe and some people don't believe him, back in India. There are always positive and negative thoughts on our great leaders, but to think of it positively, your post says it all.
Secondly, the name is spelled wrong. It's "Gandhi".
Great post!
Sonali Agrawal´s last blog ..Impress Client with Dazzling Mockup
Hear ye, hear ye in the court of public opinion. Order, order in the court of law, folks. (the sound of a judge trying to clear his throat...)
I would like to second that motion. Indeed, Jen is blessed with kind eyes and a warm personality. Who would not take to such a friendly person?
Since I also wanted to be like Jen, I tried to mimic her, but almost got my ass chewed off by the street mutts who live in my neck of the woods. How dare such obnoxious creatures try to nip at my heels?
Only goes to show: there is only one Jen Smith in the world of blogs.
Yes, I watched the movie "Gandhi" several years ago. The great man is considered an institution in India--the father of an entire nation!
There are streets and public holidays named after him, but not me.
Once I tried to be famous like Gandhi, but I failed miserably, and got left out in the cold without a blanket. And the village skunk started to woo me, so I had to flee before he made me the mother of his kids.
Even today, Gandhi is referred to as the Mahatma or Great Soul. Gandhi continues to inspire us in an age repeatedly visited by war and violence. We need people like Gandhi in today's world if there is ever to be peace on earth. Until such time, we will keep on fighting, alas.
Hi Jen,
I have to reiterate Ben's comments and say that the quote “Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress” is a great one. Kind of brings to mind a post I read recently about bloggers being critical of other bloggers:-) Yes, even Ghandi knew that honest disagreement was good. I agree about the movie. I saw it many years ago (unless this is a remake you are referring to) and was astounded the power that non-violent protest could have. I love the quotes. The other one I really like is “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” It makes too much sense...
Best,
Bob
Bob Bessette´s last blog ..Review of Daniel Scocco’s eBook, Make Money Blogging.
I have never seen this movie but I will get to it...I just love the way you write and like reading other blogs, some have really big words of inspiration and one that came to mind for me today in your blog was the mention of truth. There are so many that do not tell the truth or lie about things today, make me really ill.
Hey Jen - I like the mention of 'simplicity' as I often think we tend to over-complicate matters, especially with the challenges we face, and in turn, make them even more difficult to overcome than they should be. Ghandi's words are more than inspirational as they show us that the weapons we need to survive our greatest challenges are simply a few basic values that any of us should be able to summon at any time!
Earl´s last blog ..Unexpected Encounters With Intriguing People
Hi Sonali.
Thanks so much for dropping in. I guess that's the way with great leaders as you say, there are always people that will think good and bad but I am glad you enjoyed my post and that it highlights some of the positive things that Gandhi did. I guess that old saying "you can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs" probably applies here!
A big thank you for the heads up on the spelling! Amended now.
Thanks again
Jen
Archan!!
Jeez, I am blushing from the kind words so thank you! Like most of us I try and be a good person (tho my husband can attest that first thing in the morning it may be a different picture!
)
Ha ha! I have some strange scenarios in my head including mutts and skunks following you around on your adventures! but maybe your fame will come via the internet in this digital age, rather than streets and public holidays?
I was truly inspired by the film and as you rightly say Archan we need more people like him today ... his message was truly timeless.
Hiya Bob
That was one of my favourite quotes too. I think some people (including me at times) don't know how to honestly disagree and can worry that disagreeing means being nasty or will lead to conflict. It's very unlikely with our huge population that we will all agree and I don't think that's healthy anyway. Also we all need to learn to accept others disagreement and be open to it (as long as it is done in a respectful way.) It offers a huge growth opportunity either way and I think Gandhi's quote hit the nail on the head.
I think the film I saw was the same one you are referring to. It was so powerful wasn't it? An amazing soul.
Btw, yes I thought of your post too when I published this. For anyone that hasn't read it yet, Bob did a great piece over at Daily Blog Tips recently called 5 Reasons to be critical of other bloggers, that ties in with this discussion nicely: http://www.dailyblogtips.com/5-reasons-to-be-critical-of-other-bloggers/
Hey Winnie!
It is definitely on my 'recommend' list! A lot of personal development gold and inspiration there.
Thank you for your compliment and I agree .. I love reading words of inspiration. Truth is a powerful things that truly has the power to transform so many situations in life and is so applicable to all of us.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hey Earl!
Great point! I think you're absolutely right (actually I was thinking the same thought the other day, so much drama and extra 'stuff' is often added to interactions in life, that is just unnecessary.) Absolutely right - sticking by his basic and simple values meant Gandhi changed a whole nation's fate and we all have that same power within us to use.
Hi Jen!
Gandhi was truly one of the most amazing souls ever to walk the planet. In a time of turmoil, oppression, and hatred, he stood for love and compassion. His stubborn refusal to fight fire with fire has inspired people around the world. People of all races, nationalities, and religions look up to Gandhi as an example of peaceful conflict resolution. The world is a much better place because of him.
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..What to Eat
Jay!
Well said! He left such a legacy and his message and inspiration is truly timeless and as relevant today as it was in his time. Watching the film gave me so much inspiration and food for thought about applying his message in my own life. I think he was so right when he said:
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
Only by dealing with ourselves and our own light and dark sides, can we truly change our world.
This is another of your beautiful Zen-like posts, Jen. So fitting for the subject you're writing about here!
I haven't seen the film, but I admire what I know of the man. My favourite of the quotes is the one you've just mentioned in your comment to Jay:
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
He seems to me to have been the most amazing embodiment of that and hence an inspiration to all of us that we can be our own change; that we mustn't wait for other people or things outside of us to "fix" us.
Christine Livingston´s last blog ..The virtual office of self-selected colleagues
Thanks Christine!
He was an amazing man, I was just blown away by the film and I always love his quotes. That quote is one of my favourite too...he seemed incredibly aware of the power each of us has to change things....the power we all have.
Thank you so much for this post Jen. It must have been really hard for Gandhi to stick his ground and not retaliate when his country was being attacked. But that is just my perspective. I'm pretty sure that he mastered how to conquer love, peace, and the present moment within himself.
I really respect the man and he has been an inspiration to us even so many years later. The quote you that you put up, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" is very profound and true. If we exchange a person's life for another person's life, eventually no one will be able see the point in living.
A lovely post Jen. Thank you for sharing the inspiration.
I've not actually seen Ghandi but after reading this I'm going to see if I can find myself a copy and have a watch. Thanks
Ben´s last blog ..Think big – Start small!
Hi Jen,
This is such a topical post for me. I wrote on something similar on a very personal level recently related to personal principles. It is truly amazing how non-violent protest breeds a level strength that, when done in the right conditions, are simply unstoppable regardless of the external forces surrounding you. Terrific post, thanks for writing this.
Marc
Hi Hulbert!
Absolutely - I agree and the film showed you the challenges he faced to put these things into practice.
I love that quote too, it really hits the nail on the head and is something to live by today as much as in Gandi's day.
Jen
Thanks Ben!
Yeah, it's a great film, one of the best I watched in a while (and it even has an "intermission"!
Hey Marc.
Great to have you here. You're right, and in the film you could see the power of the non-violent protest. It was also funny to see how confused that made his opposer's..they really didn't know how to react to him because it was so unlike the 'usual' response to conflict. There was a real snow ball effect and so many people were on board because as I see it, Gandhi was talking truth.
Thanks again Marc
I just was planning on watching this. Maybe after the academy awards! Gandhi was a remarkable man. Was great to see his name on buildings when I was over in India. If you haven't been to India, I highly recommend it. Puts all this in perspective, there is no place like it spiritually.
Spirituality Minded´s last blog ..5 Reasons Partner Dancing Will Make You A Better Man
Jen:
I am pleasantly surprised by the way your readers have responded to your blog post about Mahatma Gandhi.
That's just fabulous to know and feel.
For further information, make sure to read Mahatma Gandhi's amazing autobiography, namely, "The Story Of My Experiments With Truth."
This book should be rather economical to purchase and the English version (translation from Gujarati) is also available in libraries and book stores.
Just ask at the front desk/counter/help desk/information booth and I am sure the customer service representatives there will answer your question.
You can even order this book, no problem.
Or buy it second hand, but in a good condition from garage sales and other sales options too.
I read this book several years ago.
Wow: it blew my mind. What an amazing human being, I thought.
It is one of those "must read" books that should be in your personal collection. Just my humble opinion, of course, you may disagree.
After reading this book, I donated my version to the local charity.
This is because I wanted other people to also benefit from reading it.
Hope this information helps you folks. You are a great group of people.
Cheers!
Hi Kevin
It is a great film. I haven't been to India yet, one day definitely. Thanks for the recommendation and comment.
Jen
Hey Archan!
Thanks for the information about the book, a great resource for anyone wanting to read more. I actually have it but haven't read it yet so I will have to get round to that. Funnily enough I was looking at my bookshelf last night thinking I would read that next! Good timing ....
Thanks again
jen
Hey Jen,
Nice to see you exploring the Gandhian practical philosophy.
Here is something I'd like to include:
I've watched the film a 100 times and I really really love it. No doubt it won Oscar.
Though there is an aspect of Gandhi's life that film doens't have (now we can't expect a film to show it all). His non-violent asking was called 'Statyagrah' which means 'asking/seeking/requesting the truth' - it doesn't mean asking the someone to tell the truth it means seeking the true power behind the thought and intent.
That's what Gandhi's power was - his intent. Once it is there, it's done. He will not fight back, not resist you and he will win. For in his intent and Satyagrah - it's done.
"They can break my body, but not my soul." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
"I've nothing new to teach you, the principles of non-violence and Stayagrah are as old as Himalayas."
King Sidharth´s last blog ..How to Judge a Brilliant or Bad Idea? A Bulletproof Way!
Hey there King Sidharth
I agree - it is such a great film. Really interesting to learn more about 'Statyagrah’ ... and I agree re his intent. You could see that it was such a powerful force and enabled him to move mountains. Thanks so much for the quotes. Archan commented about the book and I plan to read that soon to learn more about this great man.
Great to see you here.
Jen