3 Life Lessons to Learn From Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi is remembered all over the world for following the less walked path of nonviolent protest. Born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, he was given the title Mahatma, which roughly translates to the benevolent soul. He had been the driving force in India’s struggle against the British — and had dedicated his whole life to the welfare and development of his fellow Indians.
India’s history is incomplete without him. His birthday, 2nd October, is celebrated as Non-Violence Day worldwide. Let’s look at the lessons we can derive from his life.
1. Not an eye for an eye
Violence is never the answer. His ideal was ahimsa, Sanskrit for non-violence. He organized many movements against the colonizers following these ideals. And they were all successful. According to him, violence only gives way to more violence. Hence it is best to steer clear of it.
This lesson of non-violence teaches us that conflicts and injustices can be addressed peacefully. We should cultivate understanding, empathy, and unity among each other. If you do not engage in violence, the other person will have to stop one day. And gradually, it will lead to a beautiful world.
2. Simplicity and selflessness
If you have a look at the man one time, you will understand what I am talking about. Just a khadi cloth wrapped around his body — he would walk for miles and meet Viceroys. He never led a luxurious life. To him, high thinking was more important than high-priced material possessions. And he was a selfless man. Day and night, he worried about his country and its people.
We must remember that true fulfillment comes from the joy of giving rather than accumulating material wealth. He also practiced self-discipline, and his source of happiness came from knowing that the people around him were happy. If we, too, practice empathy and help others around us by whatever means we can, it will create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion.
3. Seeking the truth
Mahatma Gandhi firmly believed in the power of truth and honesty. He considered truth the highest virtue and strove to lead a life of integrity and transparency. Gandhi’s commitment to truth extended not only to his personal life but also to his political endeavors. He emphasized the importance of seeking truth through introspection and self-reflection, recognizing that personal transformation is vital to positive societal change.
The lesson of pursuing truth teaches us to examine our beliefs, thoughts, and actions with honesty and sincerity. It encourages us to question societal norms and challenge ourselves to look deeper within ourselves. By aligning our lives with truth, we can lead lives of purpose and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
Gandhi also taught us that to win any battle, you must practice perseverance. The path toward freedom was challenging, to say the least. And yet he fought on never diverging away from his goal. Born a simple man, lived as a simple man, but remembered as an icon. Let us all heed his teachings and strive to be a better version of ourselves like he said: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
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