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Gandhi on Non-Violence
Gandhi on Non-Violence brings together the political and moral philosophies central to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi, pared down to their essentials. Philosophies which have influenced generations and inspired some of the world’s most transformative leaders and its greatest movements; from Martin Luther King, Jr. and Steve Biko to Václav Havel and Aung San Suu Kyi; from the Civil Rights movement in America and anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa to non-violent battles for democracy in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
The principles of ahimsa and satyagraha as practised by Gandhi were selected for this volume by Thomas Merton, theologian, social activist, and one of the most influential religious thinkers of the twentieth century. In his comprehensive introduction, Merton describes ahimsa and satyagraha as not merely political tools, but a response to evil itself. Which, if followed with truth and faith, can bring men—and nations—to their ‘right mind’ and free them forever from violence. And emphasizing the universality of ahimsa and satyagraha, Merton describes how they are linked to the traditional concept of Hindu dharma, the teachings of the Greek philosophers Socrates and Plato, and to Christian thought, especially the act of forgiveness.
Challenging, provocative and eternally valid, Gandhi’s principles are, as Merton himself puts it, ‘required reading for anyone who is seriously interested in man’s fate in the nuclear age.’
The principles of ahimsa and satyagraha as practised by Gandhi were selected for this volume by Thomas Merton, theologian, social activist, and one of the most influential religious thinkers of the twentieth century. In his comprehensive introduction, Merton describes ahimsa and satyagraha as not merely political tools, but a response to evil itself. Which, if followed with truth and faith, can bring men—and nations—to their ‘right mind’ and free them forever from violence. And emphasizing the universality of ahimsa and satyagraha, Merton describes how they are linked to the traditional concept of Hindu dharma, the teachings of the Greek philosophers Socrates and Plato, and to Christian thought, especially the act of forgiveness.
Challenging, provocative and eternally valid, Gandhi’s principles are, as Merton himself puts it, ‘required reading for anyone who is seriously interested in man’s fate in the nuclear age.’
152 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1992
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About the author
Thomas Merton
559 books1,901 followersThomas Merton, religious name M. Louis, was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist and scholar of comparative religion. In December 1941 he entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani and in May 1949 he was ordained to priesthood. He was a member of the convent of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, Kentucky, living there from 1941 to his death.
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is on National Review's list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.
Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through his study of mystic practice. His interfaith conversation, which preserved both Protestant and Catholic theological positions, helped to build mutual respect via their shared experiences at a period of heightened hostility. He is particularly known for having pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, including the Dalai Lama XIV; Japanese writer D.T. Suzuki; Thai Buddhist monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He traveled extensively in the course of meeting with them and attending international conferences on religion. In addition, he wrote books on Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and how Christianity is related to them. This was highly unusual at the time in the United States, particularly within the religious orders.
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is on National Review's list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.
Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through his study of mystic practice. His interfaith conversation, which preserved both Protestant and Catholic theological positions, helped to build mutual respect via their shared experiences at a period of heightened hostility. He is particularly known for having pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, including the Dalai Lama XIV; Japanese writer D.T. Suzuki; Thai Buddhist monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He traveled extensively in the course of meeting with them and attending international conferences on religion. In addition, he wrote books on Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and how Christianity is related to them. This was highly unusual at the time in the United States, particularly within the religious orders.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 18, 2019
The opening essay be Merton is excellent - worth the book in itself.
December 25, 2019
Thomas Merton was a priest who explored all ways of communion with God and other religions as well. Here he gives brief commentary and the quotes of Gandhi. His comments are introduction to each section, not a narrative. It helps to understand the history and culture of the time that Gandhi lived and the fight for independence from British rule and subjugation in India; also the protests of the civil rights movement and Vietnam protests. Worth reading.
August 19, 2025
MONK THOMAS MERTON CHOOSES FROM GANDHI'S WRITINGS
Trappist monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968) wrote in the Introduction to his 1964 collection of Gandhi's writings, "Gandhi's principles are, then, extremely pertinent today, more pertinent even than when they were conceived and worked out in practice in the ashrams, villages, and highways of India. They are pertinent for everybody, but especially for those interested in implementing the principles expressed by ... Pope John XXIII in 'Pacem in Terris.'" (Pg. 20)
Gandhi said, "Given the proper training and proper generalship, non-violence can be practiced by the masses of mankind." (Pg. 25) He argues, "In non-violence the masses have a weapon which enables a child, a woman, or even a decrepit old man to resist the mightiest government successfully. If your spirit is strong, mere lack of physical strength ceases to be a handicap." (Pg. 29) He suggests, "Non-violence cannot be preached. It has to be practiced." (Pg. 44)
He cautions, "the duty of a man of God is to act as he is directed by his inner voice. I claim that I act accordingly... I ask nobody to follow me. Everyone should follow his own inner voice." (Pg. 34)
Perhaps surprisingly, he states, "The ideally non-violent state will be an ordered anarchy." (Pg. 55) He asserts, "Truth and 'ahimsa' must incarnate in socialism... He who denies the existence of that great Force [God] denies to himself the use of that inexhaustible Power and thus remains impotent... The socialism of such takes them nowhere." (Pg. 62)
He explains, "My own fasts have always been strictly according to the laws of satyagraha... I have been driven to the conclusion that fasting unto death is an integral part of the satyagraha program, and it is the greatest and most effective weapon in its armory under given circumstances. Not everyone is qualified for undertaking it without a proper course of training." (Pg. 69)
He admits, "In the secret of my heart I am in perpetual quarrel with God that He should allow such things [as the war] to go on. My non-violence seems almost impotent. But the answer comes at the end of the daily quarrel that neither God nor non-violence is impotent. Impotence is in men. I must try on without losing faith even though I may break in the attempt." (Pg. 72)
There are other, much more extensive collections of Gandhi's writings and words, but Merton's selection (made in the context of the American civil rights movement) is an illuminating one.
Trappist monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968) wrote in the Introduction to his 1964 collection of Gandhi's writings, "Gandhi's principles are, then, extremely pertinent today, more pertinent even than when they were conceived and worked out in practice in the ashrams, villages, and highways of India. They are pertinent for everybody, but especially for those interested in implementing the principles expressed by ... Pope John XXIII in 'Pacem in Terris.'" (Pg. 20)
Gandhi said, "Given the proper training and proper generalship, non-violence can be practiced by the masses of mankind." (Pg. 25) He argues, "In non-violence the masses have a weapon which enables a child, a woman, or even a decrepit old man to resist the mightiest government successfully. If your spirit is strong, mere lack of physical strength ceases to be a handicap." (Pg. 29) He suggests, "Non-violence cannot be preached. It has to be practiced." (Pg. 44)
He cautions, "the duty of a man of God is to act as he is directed by his inner voice. I claim that I act accordingly... I ask nobody to follow me. Everyone should follow his own inner voice." (Pg. 34)
Perhaps surprisingly, he states, "The ideally non-violent state will be an ordered anarchy." (Pg. 55) He asserts, "Truth and 'ahimsa' must incarnate in socialism... He who denies the existence of that great Force [God] denies to himself the use of that inexhaustible Power and thus remains impotent... The socialism of such takes them nowhere." (Pg. 62)
He explains, "My own fasts have always been strictly according to the laws of satyagraha... I have been driven to the conclusion that fasting unto death is an integral part of the satyagraha program, and it is the greatest and most effective weapon in its armory under given circumstances. Not everyone is qualified for undertaking it without a proper course of training." (Pg. 69)
He admits, "In the secret of my heart I am in perpetual quarrel with God that He should allow such things [as the war] to go on. My non-violence seems almost impotent. But the answer comes at the end of the daily quarrel that neither God nor non-violence is impotent. Impotence is in men. I must try on without losing faith even though I may break in the attempt." (Pg. 72)
There are other, much more extensive collections of Gandhi's writings and words, but Merton's selection (made in the context of the American civil rights movement) is an illuminating one.
May 23, 2017
Gandhi'nin şiddet dışı direniş felsefesine (satyagraha) giriş yapmak isteyenler için bire bir.
Eser yazarın "Gandhi e Tek Gözlü Dev" başlıklı bir Giriş yazısını, Gandhi'nin Savaşta ve Barışta Şiddet Dışılık adlı eserinden kısa alıntılar ve bazı önemli kişilerin Gandhi hakkında söylediği sözleri içeriyor. Giriş için faydalı bir metin, ileri okuma için ileri kaynaklara yönelmek gerekecek.
Eser yazarın "Gandhi e Tek Gözlü Dev" başlıklı bir Giriş yazısını, Gandhi'nin Savaşta ve Barışta Şiddet Dışılık adlı eserinden kısa alıntılar ve bazı önemli kişilerin Gandhi hakkında söylediği sözleri içeriyor. Giriş için faydalı bir metin, ileri okuma için ileri kaynaklara yönelmek gerekecek.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews