Hinduism According to Gandhi: Thoughts, Writings and Critical Interpretation

by Mahatma Gandhi

A critical interpretation of the oldest living tradition by one of the greatest thinker-philosophers of the twentieth century. Gandhi was not a scholar of Hindu religion, and did not consider himself fit to interpret Hinduism except through his own experience. He applied his own intellect and reason to the Hindu way of life. He writes, ‘I have no hesitation in putting before the public, with utmost confidence, the conclusion I have reached regarding certain fundamentals of Hinduism.’ Hinduism has always been more than just a religion; it is a comprehensive way of life, a tradition by which people can live. In spite of its all inclusive character, it has a metaphysical core that is timeless and is intended to interpret reality to its people, to make life more meaningful, to provide them with a framework for their individual and social existence, and finally address their longing for ultimate freedom and salvation. Going beyond the accepted and the historical boundaries of Hinduism, Gandhi identifies its acceptable and unacceptable overtones and associations, and gives expression to its humane nature and beliefs — an interpretation every bit original and to be accepted on its own terms

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world.

The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu Bania community in coastal Gujarat, and trained in law in London. Gandhi became famous by fighting for the civil rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians in South Africa, using new techniques of non-violent civil disobedience that he developed. Returning to India in 1915, he set about organizing peasants to protest excessive land-taxes. A lifelong opponent of "communalism" (i.e. basing politics on religion) he reached out widely to all religious groups. He became a leader of Muslims protesting the declining status of the Caliphate. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women's rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, increasing economic self-reliance, and above all for achieving Swaraj—the independence of India from British domination. His spiritual teacher was the Jain philosopher/poet Shrimad Rajchandra.

Reviews

[Nikolas Toner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m actually not sure if this is the book I read because I can’t find what I read on goodreads, even when using the ISBN.
But what i read was a collection of Gandhi’s thoughts on Hinduism.
Some were really interesting and enlightening others didn’t really connect for me.
I didn’t really like how the book was organized.

[Prateek Taya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe Gandhi will remain a mystery for some people(including myself of course), but this book deals with the essence of Gandhi- the ideas, morals and rationality behind them as said by Gandhi. Unlike My experiments with truth which seems to focus a lot on the facts and happenings, this deals with the questions that Gandhi faced while studying his own religion and other religions, and why Gandhi decided to follow Hinduism till the end. Gandhi ji answers what he believes to be the answers to questions like- What is Hinduism? What is truth? What is God?

[Xil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very clear for beginners. Sometimes hard to follow, but was a very good way to know on the first hand what this incredible leader thought about the beliefs, his way to see God, his advice, and in general the hinduism.