Key to Health

by Mahatma Gandhi

For the benefit of the readers of the Indian Opinion (South Africa), I wrote a few articles under the heading Guide to Health in or about the year 1906. These were later published in book form.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help

49 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1983

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

[lia · Rating 2 out of 5]

gandhi had strong opinions on health. no meat or animal products, no coffee, tea, cocoa or alcohol or intoxicants of any kind. but he was super keen on not having sex (brahmacharya), mud poultices, hip bathing, friction baths and wet sheet packs.

[Priya Chinnasamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book written in very simple language is a good guide to common man about human body. This will be eye opener for a new comer to dietic experiments. All written in this book are practised and proven by Gandhiji himself. Though we may not agree to few views/treatments in this book, one can take what suits for him/her as always with books. It is worth reading.

[Mohammad Ansar · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the best book i have read in my life. it is small book having pages less than 150, it influenced me lot, it is rewritten my perspective towards life.
it is talking about health it doesn't means physical it is discussing both physical and spiritual health
totally worth of reading

[Shyam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Says what is commonly understood and few other opinions formed out of his lifelong experiences and convictions. Carries weight because it comes from a man who walked the talk.

[Aarthi Swamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book from a powerful man. I am astonished by the amount of reading and experiments Gandhiji has done about human body, health, ailments, cure and diet. I could relate some of his ideas to the modern day dietary and physical welfare techniques. My respect for Gandhiji's dedication is doubled now. A very good inspiration for me. Best quote from this book - "Self deception is the greatest stabling back".

[Amrendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gandhiji's views on keeping good health is very simple and unique, both at the same time. It lays emphasis on keeping close to the elements - air, water, earth, sun etc. and keeping away from intoxicants (tea, coffee, opium, tobacco, condiments, cocoa, etc.). He has laid emphasis on maintaining Brahmcharya and linked straying from it for the purpose of procreation only.

Some of his views may look dated like emphasis on vegetarianism, hydrotherapy, fasting etc. The only reason to read this book is to get into the mind of the Mahatma and his thoughts that reflect the socio-cultural milieu of his times and how he reasoned many of his unique departures from the norms and conventions of his times in matters related to health and otherwise in a larger perspective of life, ethics and the greater goal/purpose of being.

[Jaskaran Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book contains all the secrets which Gandhi followed in his life time. I agree with all his experiments on all foods except milk. The chapter on Brahmacharya is the best one. He beautifully explains the benfits of self restraint.

[Fiorella Parodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

To the point and informative. A humble approach and easy to read.
Although some parts may not be applicable to our everyday life, this book informs and triggers the need for reading more about our body, health and nutrition.

[Bonnie]

Not at all practical information.

Most of them the info was too old and difficult to understand. Many things I never heard off and the extra long chapter in what I will call being asexual was ridiculous.

[Lokesh Chebrolu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A formal comment/overview of nature way of living by Mahatma Gandhi. This book can be a good start for those who are interested in exploring healthy life style in aligned with nature.

[Lucinda Fleshman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Key to health

The book was interesting in reading about the health aspect of yourself. Some of which I am current explorting. Great job

[Theresa Funaro]

Not too thrilled! It is a bit above my level of metaphysical affinity!

[Bharat Pitta]

Some of the views are old fashioned.

[Frank Ashe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting to gain insight into the mind of Gandhi.