Non-Violent Resistance (Satyagraha)

Gandhi didn't "write" a book by this title such. It is a compilation of his writings (done by Bharatan Kumarappa) that were largely taken from his journals, for example "Young India" and "Hajijan." (in other words, it is a sampling of the Collected Works volumes) Of course, it is Gandhi's writing, so it is very authentic, original, and interesting, and focuses on Gandhi's understanding, justification, and use of non-violence. Gandhi thought "truth-force", the pursuit of "satyagraha", as he called it, could only result in "ahimsa" or non-violence. To that end he dedicated his whole life, and he readily admitted not every time and place was ripe for non-violent resistance. That required training, and training required dedication, a belief in God, and a submission to the truth. Gandhi sought to convert his opponent, never to conquer. If you're looking for the basic writings and a wide sample of Gandhi's ideas, Louis Fischer's "Essential Gandhi" may be of more interest to you, but if you are specifically interest in Gandhi's thoughts on non-violence in India then this is certainly a fine selection of Gandhi's own thoughts, speeches and writings.

I keep on buying copies of this book and giving them away. This is undoubtedly the most important work I've ever read about creating social change. It is not a biography of Gandhi but rather, a biography of his philosophy. Gandhi lead India to independence from the British Empire. That triumph of political will has never been equalled even in myth and legend. This book reveals in a simple way that a sense of injustice, signs, and riots in the streets are not going to accomplish anything. The answer lies in spiritual commitment and discipline. Without those two elements Gandhi would be a minor footnote in history and India would be a very different place. I believe that the path outlined in this book is the only way o bring about social change on the scale demanded by the future we all face.

His is one of the most recognizable faces and inspiring lives of all time, but do you really know this man and what he so passionately stood for? Read Satyagraha only if you dare to go beyond the “easy” Gandhi — the popular hero to admire from a safe distance… and are ready to be challenged by the “hard” Gandhi — the wise and courageous teacher to emulate in our daily lives. Even if you consider the Mahatma’s dream and methods to be naïve and foolhardy, prepare yourself. One cannot read the words of this man… who was willing to, and indeed did, die for a cause greater than himself… without being moved to reflect deeply on one’s own conduct and allegiances… and upon the many ways that we routinely contribute to, or at least mutely accept, injustice. And as I read Gandhi’s closing words, I was struck by a most challenging thought that pierced right through the routine of my otherwise ordinary day: Perhaps true Satyagraha, like true Christianity and other radical forms of love, has never really been tried.

Now with everything that is happening ; the Arab Spring, the Wall Street Occupation, the World Revolution in general, I find reading Gandhi's Satyagraha extremely crucial for the peoples to make sure that everything goes for the betterment of humanity. What is really amazing about this book, and I consider it a political one, is that it's mainly dedicated for spirituality! This makes perfect sense. If you are not pure in the soul you cannot really adopt the method of non-violent resistance effectively. The Satyagraha is very simple in theory, Gandhi is right in saying that you can teach it to a 6 year-old child! But it's extremely tough to put it into practice. Yesterday I was bullied by some twitter follower because I said I liked the book. I don't think I was successful in remaining all calm and peaceful when responding to him! lol :-) I promise to try harder next time. One more thing; the book is kinda repetitive.. just saying!

I can't give it 5 stars, because sometimes it was quite dry. But other parts were fascinating and well worth the effort. I wanted to learn more about living non-violently, and Ghandi is an excellent role model for that. He was also dedicated to the inner-self search and search for the 'truth in general', whatever form that might come in. Well worth it to learn more about a humble man learning how to 'be' in this crazy world.

Supplementary reading for a subject I follow

Very authentic collection of Gandhi's articles and opinions. It maps his reactions to the application of Satyagraha movement in India, as various political events unfolded. After reading the book you'll understand why Gandhi is a leader unmatched in the modern history, and maybe you will even ponder how the world might look like if more people lived and acted as he did...

If you are a serious grassroots activist I would see this book as a must-have. This is the book handed to Rev. Martin Luther King that inspired the him to adopt non-violence in the civil rights movement in the '60s and is the philosophy that was explicitly adopted by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. It is written in the early twentieth century "British" style so that it comes across as "scholarly" but is somehow a humble but powerful book.