Are Two Methods of Attaining Ones Goal, Essay Example

“There are two methods of attaining ones goal, Satyagraha and Duragraha. In our scriptures, they have been described, respectively, as divine and devilish modes of action.” (Gandhi, p.55)

The two terms mentioned in this passage, Satyagraha and Duragraha (most often the former concept), were two concepts that Gandhi spoke about nonstop. His theory was basic and surprisingly manageable. In every literature that he ever wrote he emphasizes that yes, civil disobedience is fruitful, but it is only fruitful when other means have been exhausted.  Satyagraha, which literally means Truth, was the way to attain a goal. The most important factor that Satyagrahi (one who practices Satyagraha) must exercise frequently in a confrontation or simple encounter is showing love. As Gandhi says, hate will only aggravate more violence and will have the issue continuing to an incessant future.  In confrontations Satyagrahi does not wish to destroy the opponent but rather make friends. Gandhi, shortly after this passage writes that Satyagraha can even be equivalent to a weapon but in contrast to Duragrahis (those who use force) they do not harm the opponent in any way. Here’s when the problem of Duragraha arises. The latter is a term for those who cling to their power with force and tyranny.  Now Gandhi concludes that those who attack with the means of hurting the opponent do not get anything. In contrast, Satyagraha exercises love which is their primary weapon to “attack” the opponent. After a while, the opponent does not see the point of attacking if the opponent is “attacking” merely with love.

Lastly, as the last sentence says there are two terms, Satyagraha and Duragraha. The former is the ultimate good way of attaining a goal and latter is the evil and unjust way of clinging to power by force.