Gandhi's Truth
On the origins of militant nonviolence
Erikson, Erik H.
Publisher: W.W.Norton & Company, Toronto, Canada
Year Published: 1969
Pages: 475pp ISBN: 393-09882-6
Resource Type: Book
Cx Number: CX7433
An examination of the life, vision, and actions of Mohandas Gandhi.
Abstract:
Described as a westerner's and philosopher's search for Gandhi's upbringing in India, the book talks about the origins and power of militant nonviolence in early 20th century India. It covers the influence of Gandhi's actions, and his attempts to free India, and South Africa, from British colonial rule.
Effectively, Gandhi motivated three hundred million people to revolt against their colonial masters.
Erikson took a journey through India, and through Mahatma Gandhi's personal life, and history, to gain an insight into the inner thoughts of Gandhi. He sets out to discover how the original teacher of peaceful protest and non-violence became a man. Erikson also examines the art, thoughts, and sociopolitical developments that Gandhi left behind after his passing.
Erikson shows the progression of the philosophy of Satya-graha, its effects and virtues as practiced by Gandhi's followers, and their lasting effect on the British Empire.
Erikson provides concrete facts from his experiences and his meetings with individuals who were close associates of Gandhi. Erikson also provides translated excerpts from Gandhi's autobiography.
[Abstract by Vei Chong]
Table of Contents
Preface and Acknowledgments
Prologue: Echoes of an Event
I. India: First Encounters
II. A Seminar in Ahmedabad
III. The Elusive Event
Part One: The Inquiry
I. The Witness
1. The Autobiography
2. Survivors
II. The Counterplayer
III. Four Old Indians
Part Two: The Past
I. Childhood and Youth
1. Moniya and His Mother
2. Mohan and His Father
3. The Curse
4. Mohandas and His Evil Friend
II. From Vow to Vocation
1. The Inner and the Outer Man
2. Arjuna in the Court of Small Claims
3. The Only One Available
III. Householder in South Africa
1. Somebody
2. Nobody
3. Instrument of Peace
4. Maifesto
Part Three: The Event
I. A Personal Word
II. Prophet in His Own Country
1. Why Ahmedabad?
2. The Four-Fold Ruin
3. Confrontation
4. Breakthrough
III. Companions and Counterplayers
1. The Sarabhais
2. Shankerlal Banker
3. Mahadev
4. Sons and Followers
IV. The Event Retold
V. Aftermath
1. Satyagrahi and Soldier
2. Patient and Mahatma
Part Four: The Leverage of Truth
I. Homo Religiosus
II. The Intrument
1. Tatctics
2. Ritual
3. Insight
Epilogue: March to the Sea
Notes
Index
Subject Headings
