Gandhi Nonviolence Analysis
What are three principles of Gandhian nonviolence? Explain how Gandhi used these effectively in his campaign to end unfair British rule in India. Then, briefly describe at least two individuals who have used Gandhian philosophy to make social change, showcasing the strategies they used and their successes.
Three of Gandhian principles include, Ahimsa the Sanskrit word for non-injury, or nonviolence, a central value of Gandhi’s belief and leadership. The concept of Ahimsa was used to challenge political authorities and religious orthodoxy. A second is Sarndaya, the resolving of conflicts with ALL people in mind. And a third is Tapasy, which is self-suffering or sacrifice. Gandhi’s principles are on all based on the goodness of human nature and
the moral uplifting of an individual or a society.
Gandhi's deep commitment and belief in non-violence inspired many political figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Gandhi’s influence can be seen in Martin Luther King’s first book, Stride Toward Freedom which describes his six principles for nonviolence.
1. PRINCIPLE ONE: Nonviolence is not passive, but requires courage.
2. PRINCIPLE TWO: Nonviolence seeks reconciliation, not defeat of an adversary.
3. PRINCIPLE THREE: Nonviolent action is directed at eliminating evil, not destroying and evil-doer.
4. PRINCIPLE FOUR: A willingness to accept suffering for the cause, if necessary, but never to inflict it.
5. PRINCIPLE FIVE: A rejection of hatred, animosity or violence of the spirit, as well as refusal to commit physical violence. of hate.
6. PRINCIPLE SIX: Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice.
Also based in Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence, as reviewed in the Six Principles of Nonviolence, a guide for social and interpersonal change, which consist of:
1. INFORMATION GATHERING
2. EDUCATION
3. PERSONAL COMMITMENT
4. DISCUSSION/NEGOTIATION
5. DIRECT ACTION
6. RECONCILIATION
In the committed to the principles of nonviolence, The Montgomery Bus Boycott became King’s first opportunity to use nonviolent direct action. The strategy that was used by the protestors was the refusal to ride city buses. The protest triggered other bus boycotts, which led to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared segregated buses were unconstitutional. The success of this nonviolent approach also led to a city ordinance that allowed black bus passengers to sit virtually anywhere they wanted on the bus, instead of in the back. The boycott resulted in giving the Civil Rights Movement its first victory and gave Martin Luther King Jr. the national attention that made him one of the prime leaders of the cause.
Mandela was also inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence in his fight against apartheid in South Africa, along with his release from prison. Mandela supported this strategy by being forgiving toward his former enemies. The key to Mandela’s leadership was his unwavering commitment to a long-term vision of peace, justice and harmony for the people of South Africa.
Three of Gandhian principles include, Ahimsa the Sanskrit word for non-injury, or nonviolence, a central value of Gandhi’s belief and leadership. The concept of Ahimsa was used to challenge political authorities and religious orthodoxy. A second is Sarndaya, the resolving of conflicts with ALL people in mind. And a third is Tapasy, which is self-suffering or sacrifice. Gandhi’s principles are on all based on the goodness of human nature and
the moral uplifting of an individual or a society.
Gandhi's deep commitment and belief in non-violence inspired many political figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Gandhi’s influence can be seen in Martin Luther King’s first book, Stride Toward Freedom which describes his six principles for nonviolence.
1. PRINCIPLE ONE: Nonviolence is not passive, but requires courage.
2. PRINCIPLE TWO: Nonviolence seeks reconciliation, not defeat of an adversary.
3. PRINCIPLE THREE: Nonviolent action is directed at eliminating evil, not destroying and evil-doer.
4. PRINCIPLE FOUR: A willingness to accept suffering for the cause, if necessary, but never to inflict it.
5. PRINCIPLE FIVE: A rejection of hatred, animosity or violence of the spirit, as well as refusal to commit physical violence. of hate.
6. PRINCIPLE SIX: Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice.
Also based in Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence, as reviewed in the Six Principles of Nonviolence, a guide for social and interpersonal change, which consist of:
1. INFORMATION GATHERING
2. EDUCATION
3. PERSONAL COMMITMENT
4. DISCUSSION/NEGOTIATION
5. DIRECT ACTION
6. RECONCILIATION
In the committed to the principles of nonviolence, The Montgomery Bus Boycott became King’s first opportunity to use nonviolent direct action. The strategy that was used by the protestors was the refusal to ride city buses. The protest triggered other bus boycotts, which led to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared segregated buses were unconstitutional. The success of this nonviolent approach also led to a city ordinance that allowed black bus passengers to sit virtually anywhere they wanted on the bus, instead of in the back. The boycott resulted in giving the Civil Rights Movement its first victory and gave Martin Luther King Jr. the national attention that made him one of the prime leaders of the cause.
Mandela was also inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence in his fight against apartheid in South Africa, along with his release from prison. Mandela supported this strategy by being forgiving toward his former enemies. The key to Mandela’s leadership was his unwavering commitment to a long-term vision of peace, justice and harmony for the people of South Africa.