Gandhi\'s Concept of Satyagraha in Theory and Practice

Gandhi's Concept Of Satyagraha In Theory And Practice

Satyagraha

Gandhi's concept of Satyagraha in theory and practice

In essence, the concept of Satyagraha refers an attitude or a life philosophy that focuses on the force and power of the truth and the "soul force" that is able to overcome any adversity or obstacle. It is also a practical philosophy and was famously implemented by the developer of the concept, Mahatma Gandhi. Ghandi employed this philosophy in the Indian independence movement and in the final defeat of the British colonialism in India. This philosophy was also employed in Gandhi's opposition to the South African Apartheid regime and influenced the civil rights movement in America and the work of Martin Luther King, Jr.

In more detail, the term becomes clearer if we break it down. "Sat" refers to the concept of truth and openness, while "Ahimsa" refers to the "...refusal to inflict injury on others" (Basic Concepts of Satyagraha: Gandhian Nonviolence....). This therefore links the term to the well-known concept of non-violence, which is such an important part of the praxis of this philosophy. The third important part of this concept is "Tapasya" or the "willingness for self-sacrifice"(Basic Concepts of Satyagraha: Gandhian Nonviolence....). This aspect of the concept is described as follows:

A satyagrahi (one who practices satyagraha) must be willing to shoulder any sacrifice which is occasioned by the struggle which they have initiated, rather than pushing such sacrifice or suffering onto their opponent.... "

(Basic Concepts of Satyagraha: Gandhian Nonviolence....).

In summation one could therefore argue that this philosophy is one that attempts to overcome opposition by asserting the truth and resisting the urge to retaliate in a violent manner. In this way one overcomes "evil" and opposition by a persistent refusal to give in and to force the other party to acknowledge the truth. One can also see the importance of this concept in Dr. King's concept of nonviolence. He states that "Nonviolence is not passive, but requires courage" (Martin Luther King's Principles of Satyagraha). This is an important aspect of nonviolence as this form of resistance requires extreme determination, courage and perseverance. In King's vocabulary, Satyagraha is associated with strength not weakness.

However, this is a concept that is particularly applicable to political conflict and to the overcoming of different social and political views of reality. The central question of this paper poses a different scenario and the question arises whether Satyagraha also applicable in this regard; namely, when innocent animals are immediately confronted with death and violence.

One could also argue that this concept applies to everything that one encounters in life. As one commentator notes; "On a personal front it involves a life committed to truth, chastity, non-attachment and hard-work" (Gandhi and Satyagraha). In other words, the concept of Satyagraha must be able to deal with every possible scenario because it represents the ideal of truth over falsity.