The Mahatma’s Way of Life

Gandhi's Gandhism.

Nonviolence and ahimsa, Gandhi's way of life seems like a misfit in today's world. Do we need it in this technology-driven, hard-pressed-for-time life? Of course, we do. Are we applying his principles to our lives? No, we're not. Every action is followed with a reaction and every reaction is followed by another reaction. MensXP understands the need for the Mahatma's way of life, but we ask, given today's pace of life, are his principles a thing of the past? We take a look at why Gandhism is the only way forward.

Life As We Know It

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The next big career jump, that business deal that has to be brokered, the new car, planning holidays, funding your children's university education abroad, and a million other 'next's' dictate our lives. Time is money and time well-spent is money earned. In the rush from one day to another, losing sight of the simple life as we knew it, Gandhism, is a thing of the past... or so we'd like to believe. We've been conditioned to live (rather, exist) in fast forward mode - if you're not on fast forward, you're missing out. And, in this get somewhere quick race, we find ourselves chasing our own tails. We're trying to catch it but of course, we never will. Modern life amounts to just this. We're chasing, running, beating one another, stepping over one another, tripping each other, all in an effort to get somewhere... only problem is no one knows where or what that somewhere is.

But, mindless chasing ensures one thing - fatigue catches up. And it's during this time when we turn to principles, lessons, morals of life form a time gone-by, only to realise that Gandhism is not just a way of life, it's the need of modern society.

Gandhism

Truth, nonviolence, vegetarianism, being a Brahmachari, simplicity and faith were six principles that Gandhiji held dear. Some might argue that Gandhiji lived in the 1940s and these precepts were easy to follow. But, Gandhiji preached and lived his teachings through India's independence struggle, and to say that those were easy times would be a gross understatement.  

Each of us has different perceptions about Gandhism; after all, we take what we perceive and what we need from the Mahatma's teachings. Perception depends completely on the phase of life each one is and we learn our lessons based on life and the Mahatma's teachings that get us through. However, even though perceptions vary from person-to-person, the Mahatma's teachings were based in love, nonviolence, peace, forgiveness, simplicity and satisfaction.

Most of his teachings and quotes are manipulated, but as the meaning is preserved and we apply them in our daily lives, even manipulation is forgiven.
Let's take a closer look at each of Gandhiji's principles and apply them to life as we know it today.

Truth: This is something we externalise. When Gandhiji spoke about the practice of truth, he spoke about self-practice to begin with. We lose the plot when we expect the world to be honest with us. It's not unreasonable, but we have to begin by being truthful to ourselves. And this is doable with introspection.

Nonviolence: When we look at this literally, we assume that we're nonviolent. After all, we don't go around striking people, do we? Gandhiji referred to nonviolence as a state of mind, which means that he taught us to control our temper. How often do we find ourselves holding the fuse because something/someone has angered us? It's impossible to never get angry, but when we do, we have to be conscious that we are and try and go back to being equanimous.

Vegetarianism: Vegetarianism isn't a way of life, it's a choice. Some eat meat and some don't, this depends completely on your preference.

Being a Brahmachari: This, too, does not apply to everyone! But, when we look at applying it to day's life, Gandhiji's teachings asks men to refrain from objectifying women. Live a family life and make sure that you respect women everywhere else.

Simplicity: This principle is possibly the one that makes most sense in today's world. Modern life is not just about wishes and wants, it's about going to any length to fulfil one's desires, and this is where the problems begin. Aspiring for things and working towards them is one thing; desiring them and adopting illegal ways to get them is another. Gandhiji's teachings about simplicity also bring back focus to happier, healthier lives. He teaches us that simplicity means knowing what you want but to have the willingness to work towards getting it.

Faith: When Gandhiji referred to faith, he taught mankind to believe in himself and in a higher force. He never propagated religion but spirituality. For the Mahatma faith began with oneself and not following someone else. In today's world, faith is hard to uphold, but holding on to it gives mankind hope, and most times, hope is everything one really needs.          

All is Well

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All Gandhiji's sayings that are immortalised and repeated today, tell us of love, sharing, giving and caring. Do these values have space in today's world? Yes, they do; and in most cases, we've got to make space for them. Domestic life is demanding as is professional life. Finding a balance is difficult, not impossible. And this is where the Mahatma's teachings come in.

Accept it for what it does - it could be a guide, words of comfort, a sign of hope, a personification of strength - Gandhi's words and ways of life are exactly what we need them to be. They could be a source of strength to you but words of comfort to your wife. Whatever they mean and however we accept them, it is the Mahatma's way of life that reminds us of a simpler time and provides us with a beacon of hope that even though times are ever changing and life isn't what it used to be, Gandhi's teachings will continue to stand strong through centuries to come. His way of life, the words he left us with, the simplicity he taught us, will provide respite and hope for generations to come.