The Essential Writings New 2nd Edition

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'Those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion means' Mahatma Gandhi was a profound and original thinker as well as one of the most influential figures in the history of the twentieth century. A religious and social reformer, he became a notable leader in the Indian nationalist movement, made famous for his advocacy of non-violent civil resistance. His many and varied writings are essentially responses to the specific challenges he faced, and they show his maturing ideas and political will, as well as his spirituality and humanity, over several decades. This new selection demonstrates how his thinking was truly radical, dealing with problems from the roots upwards: in the lives of individuals, of societies, and of political structures. It underlines the supreme importance of non-violence, and Gandhi's unique and unrealized vision of a new India after the departure of the British. Special Features A new selection of Gandhi's writings, with an important Introduction by a leading scholar of Gandhi's life, designed to introduce his life and thought to readers. Drawn from the full range of Gandhi's published work - books, articles, broadcasts, interviews, letters - the selection covers his thinking on religion and spirituality, on society and its problems, on politics and British rule, and on non-violence and civil disobedience. The selection is arranged to demonstrate Gandhi's belief that transformation in human life should be from the roots upwards, from the individual through to social and political relations. Judith Brown's Introduction provides a succinct account of Gandhi's life and his ambiguous role in the Indian nationalist movement; it examines what kind of thinker and writer Gandhi was, and how he built a coherent body of thought which he attempted to put into daily practice. Invaluable notes help the non-specialist reader understand the political context in which Gandhi was writing, the many allusions to his broad reading, and the people to whom he wrote and referred. Detailed chronology, up-to-date bibliography, glossary, and index.

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Gandhi, his mission, and the influences on him Gandhi reflects on himself Gandhis acknowledges the major influences on him Authentic human life and the transformation of the individual The truly human life The search for God True religion and particular religious traditions Seeking truth through non-violence, self-discipline, and service Transforming societies Creating moral societies Ashrams - centres of personal and social transformation India under British rule: making a new nation Understanding swaraj Making swaraj - the Constructive Programme Making swaraj - key issues Non-violence as political action The birth of non-violent action The essence of satyagraha Appropriate behaviour for satyagrahis Tactics and dilemmas in satyagraha