Mahatma Gandhi Essay Example for Free

Mahatma Gandhi Essay Mahatma Gandhi was a believer of sorting out conflicts through peaceful means. Ahimsa wishes no harm to any living being, whether human or not. It included not only a lack of physical harm to one’s opponents, but also a lack of hatred or towards them. Ahimsa originated from ancient India, evidenced by scriptures, and is practiced in the religions Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Living in the period of time when India was being colonized and unjustly treated by the British, Gandhi used ahimsa as a weapon to free India from British rule. He believed that the best way to resist tyranny is through civil disobedience, which is founded upon Ahimsa. Even if this was an event of the past, it says so much about the present. Nowadays, most conflicts cannot be solved without shedding blood. It is sad to think that violence is the solution of the people to problems when in fact, it just makes things worse. There are many things we can learn from this, which is why it is so important for us to study history in the first place. Like Mahatma Gandhi, we should be advocators of peace and respect. Every living being has value, which most people need to understand. There are so many people who are abused, raped, killed, or unjustly treated through other means every single day while the rest of the world remain unconcerned and go about their busy yet meaningless life. I really admire and look up to Mahatma Gandhi for the fact that he remained righteous up to his death despite being arrested and faced with many challenges. He united much of India through his efforts. The people will always remember him for his struggle and sacrifice to free India from slavery, poverty and end untouchability. The title Mahatma or â€Å"Great Soul† given to Gandhi is really befitting to him. Our world needs more people like Mahatma Gandhi in order for it to be in peace, order, and harmony. There is just too much chaos going on, more than we are aware of. Ahimsa or non-violence would make our world a better place to live in. We just have to believe and practice it. Ahimsa is not only significant to the present but also to the future. We can have a â€Å"peaceful† future if we start following Ahimsa. The continous use of violence could bring serious consequences for the future. This is why we have to stop and think of what is best for this world Practicing ahimsa is definitely not easy, it’s probably very difficult but it doesn’t mean that we can use it as an excuse. We have to strive hard by struggling in the beginning until it becomes a habit or norm. Gandhi also believed in Satyagraha, â€Å"soul force† or â€Å"truth force†, a particular philosophy and practice within nonviolent resistance. The term was conceived and developed by him. One who practices satyagraha is called a satyagrahi. The theory of satyagraha sees means and ends as inseparable. Gandhi believed that nonviolence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment. He insisted on the harmony and unity of thought, word, and deed. To Gandhi, the Hindu creed was: Search after Truth through nonviolent means. Satyagraha, Gandhis approach to conflict, was to hold firmly to the Truth. He also believed that violence shuts off channels of communication. The Satyagraha theory has influenced many other movements around the world on civil resistance. Gandhi had become a role model to other great leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. If Mahatma Gandhi can influence great minds, he should be able to influence the common people. He has left with us great teachings which would be able to help us solve many problems. If only we are open to them, we will be gaining access to peace and harmony. Even today, he is looked up to and well-respected. In India, Mahatma Gandhi’s face is on every rupee note. Moreover, there are Gandhi Ashrams and shops which continue to support his ideas of rural education and cottage industries. The Sarvodaya movement keeps alive the Gandhian approach. Indians consider him as the father of their nation. Many Jains regard Gandhi as possessing and spreading the highest Jain principles. Millions around the world have been inspired by Gandhi and he is thought of today as an international saint. Not much people have left such large footprints in this world. One has to be truly great in order to be etched in our minds and hearts. Mahatma Gandhi is an example of a great individual. He deserves the recognition he has received, and the honor that is present upto today.