The Nature of the Sacred, Essay Example

Brief summary of the assigned reading

The study of law by Gandhi played a crucial role in the discovery of his interests in nonviolence philosophy. This interest played a crucial role in his engagement in addressing issues of discrimination of South Africans against the Indians residing there, prompting him to extend his time of stay in that country. Few Indians were in South Africa at the time and they encountered oppression from the Boers and the British. This was the beginning of formation of Congress named Natal Indian Congress along with Indian Medical Corps that Gandhi used to further the interests of the Indians.

The principles and leadership abilities adopted by Gandhi earned him mush admiration. They included abandoning innovative technology, satyagraha–literally or soul-force development and abstinence from sex. By the time of his return to India, he had acquired the name ‘Mahatma’ meaning “Great Soul”. Gandhi was against the suppression of Indians by the British and this prompted him to organize non violence protests which made him to be imprisoned. Even after his release from prison, he never stopped advocating for the freedom of Indians. The invitation of Gandhi to London was an indication that his non violent struggle was yielding good fruits and the British government conceded to the pressure thus gave some powers to the Indians.

Personal reflection

Gandhi never claimed to be a philosopher neither a prophet. The freedom movement initiated by Gandhi adopted the principles of non violence. This was a good approach of taking constructive action for initiating change in respect of resisting oppression. Non violent approach was very effective in conversion of the opponent, persuading the opponent that the point of view being advocated for is the correct one and winning their minds.