hinduism

One of the most influential figures of the 20th century, Mahatma Gandhi was a 'man of God disguised as a politician' in his own words. As a political liberator his name shall ever be remembered in history, but it is his contribution to the humanity's inner life that would prove more important in the long run. According to him any social change or political transformation should be founded on a spiritual awakening. Gandhi remained a Hindu by religious affiliation, but adopted a form of universal worship. He believed in the oneness of God and the legitimacy of all religions as leading to the same God, known by different names. This 'Great Soul of India' (Mahatma) was indeed 'the light of the world'. As Michael Nagler put it, "He went into the heart of everything and touched the hearts of millions because he chose and clung to the one essential thing, which is to awaken God or Truth within the individual".

Gandhi's spiritual thoughts scattered in his various writings were put together as a book by M S Deshpande and published in India in 1971 under the title "Pathway to God". This edition of it, slightly altered in content, is now available to the American readers for the first time. It has a 'Forward' by his grandson, Arun Gandhi and a very informative 'Introduction' by Michael Nagler. This book has captured the heart of the Mahatma whose life reflected every thought of his expressed in this book. This edition offers to the reader a wealth of spiritual insights providing food for reflection and meditation. A familiarity with some of the Hindu categories may help a better understanding of the spiritual concepts laid out in the book.

So many people admire Gandhi's life and his very visible, political spirituality. His spirituality had deep, Hindu roots, which he explained in many writings. This book is excerpts of those writings, arranged by subject. In the introduction we are told of an incident where a politician told Gandhi that they were both men of God. Gandhi replies, "You are a politician disguised as a man of God. I am a man of God disguised as a politician." The truth of that statement comes out in his writings.

"It is the duty of every human being to look carefully within and see himself as he is, and spare no pains to improve himself in body, mind and soul. He should realize the mischief wrought by injustice, wickedness, vanity and the like, and do his best to fight them."

His life is an example, despite his imperfections, and his teachings are a reliable guide. This is a challenging, gentle, profound book, to be read and re-read later.