Essential Gandhi

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View books by Mahatma Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, M.K.Gandhi, Louis Fischer.

Read Gandhi's autobiography aswell - Rated
This book is a collection of Gandhi's writings linked together by a biographer. The writings are taken from many different sources (including his autobiography) which I found produced a slightly disjointed reading experience.

I found his autobiography (called The Story of My Experiments with Truth) worked much better for me. In this book, which is written entirely in his own words, we join Gandhi on a journey of self-discovery as he relates experiences and learning lessons which were important during his life. His mission was to seek truth, which he achieved through conducting experiments on himself and then appraising the results.

Gandhi was one who never followed the crowd. He felt they didn't know where they were going. He preferred to trust his own judgement and soul, rather than blindly following other people or their beliefs. This did not mean he rejected all commonly held beliefs but he always cross-examined them fully before finally accepting them. He urges us not to follow him, rather to seek the truth for ourselves through our own experimentations. After all seeing is believing.

He found that uncovering the truth was not always popular as many people are resistant to change, preferring instead to maintain the existing status quo either because of inertia, self-interest or misguided beliefs. However once the truth is on the march nothing can stop it. All it takes is time to achieve traction and gain momentum. As Gandhi says "The truth is far more powerful than any weapon of mass destruction".

His autobiography confirms to us that the most important battle to fight is in overcoming one's own demons, fears and insecurities. It is all too easy to blame people, governing powers or enemies for our actions and wellbeing. The solution to our problems can normally be found just by looking in the mirror. The path to enlightenment is a journey to be travelled alone and requires us to open our hearts, our minds and our eyes.

In addition to Gandhi's autobiography I would also recommend the film Gandhi by Sir Richard Attenborough plus the books The Kingdom of God is Within You by Leo Tolstoy and Fit for Life II by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond.

Great Thoughts from a Great Man - Rated
This is a mind opening, life changing book. The thoughts and writings, spaning over the entire course of Gandhi's life, offer a glipse into the mind and habits of one of God's greatest followers. His peaceful approach to life and his undying love for friend and foe alike will motivate any reader to the highest level. This is a must read for anyone, regardless of nationality or creed, who wishes to see the potential all humans have within them.

Mind Over Matter - Rated
The Essential Gandhi presents important spiritual and politial concepts from Gandhi's concise, prophetic speeches and writings. Editor Louis Fischer accurately frames Gandhi's quotes, often explaining the political or cultural environment in South African and India as it was in Gandhi's time..

This book is a difficult read because it is a collection of quotes that have been organized by subject, albeit somewhat poorly. Nevertheless, it offers tremendous insights.

I recommend The Essential Gandhi highly to those seeking spirituality and truth, and do not recommend it to those interested in a casual intellectual read.