The Role Of Truth In Satyagraha -

– Gandhi Essay, Research Paper

The Role of Truth in Satyagraha

Gandhi developed a method of direct social action based upon principles of courage, nonviolence, and truth. This policy of nonviolent resistance and the search for this truth, is called satyagraha. Truth is soul or spirit; it is a major component in satyagraha. Without truth the entire method of satyagraha will fall apart and therefore, become ineffective. Where there is no truth, there can be no true knowledge, and where there is true knowledge, there is always happiness. Devotion to truth is the sole justification for our existence. It should be the very breath of our life. Without it, it would be impossible to observe any principles or rules in life. We, as people, have some form of truth within ourselves and our lives. This truth is known as relative truth which all people posses. Absolute truth is another kind of truth which no one but God has.

Gandhi was very angry with the issues on racial discrimination and he was a victim of this abuse. These issues led to the origin of satyagraha and he enforced it strongly. Gandhi felt that victory was impossible until we are able to keep our temper under a serious incentive. Gandhi promoted many civil disobedience campaigns. He believed satyagraha required great self-discipline, self-suffering, and, self-sacrifice. Self-sacrifice was superior to the sacrifice of others. Vows are great examples of this sacrifice. It is not a sign of weakness, but of strength or courage, because of the great suffering it dealt with.

Gandhi said that the past is a record of wars, but in spite of all the wars, the world still lives on. The fact that there are many men still alive in the world shows that the world is not based on the forms of arms but on the forms of truth and love. Gandhi saw that truth and love were dealt with as equals, they were both considered the same thing. Engaging in satyagraha greatly enforced the fact of resisting violence and disobeying unjust laws, while accepting the penalty for breaking them. It is also enforced that one should realize that soul force is superior to brute force. One major problem with using force to make an opponent do what you desire is that the argument will never get settled. The people should pursue love and truth instead of wars and violent acts. They should have an obligation to obey only just laws. In place of hatred and anger, satyagraha practices patience, sympathy, and self control. Satyagraha means to become aware of life?s simplicity and to recognize the unity and equality of all human beings. It tries to explain how unnecessary violence was and that a greater means does exist. This means is stronger than hate, violence, and evil. It is pure and focuses on others. It is love, and love means truth. Therefore, truth is the foundation of satyagraha, and all the other elements are based on this truth, love, and peace.