1. Why did Gandhiji consider nonviolence as supreme dharma?
Read the given text and answer the following questions:
‘It is said of “passive resistance” that it is the weapon of the weak, but the power which is the subject of this article can be used only by the strong. This power is not passive resistance; indeed, it calls for intense activity. The movement in South Africa was not passive but active …
‘Satyagraha is not physical force. A satyagrahi does not inflict pain on the adversary; he does not seek his destruction … In the use of satyagraha, there is no ill-will whatever.
‘Satyagraha is pure soul-force. Truth is the very substance of the soul. That is why this force is called satyagraha. The soul is informed with knowledge. In it burns the flame of love. … Nonviolence is the supreme dharma …‘It is certain that India cannot rival Britain or Europe in force of arms. The British worship the war-god and they can all of them become, as they are becoming, bearers of arms. The hundreds of millions in India can never carry arms. They have made the religion of non-violence their own ...’
1. Why did Gandhiji consider nonviolence as supreme dharma?
2. How was Gandhian satyagraha taken by the people who believed in his philosophy?
3. Why was Gandhian satyagraha considered as a novel way to resist injustice?
1 Answers
1. Gandhiji adopted nonviolence as a philosophy and an ideal way of life. According to him philosophy of nonviolence is not a weapon of the weak; it is a weapon, which can be tried by all.
2. A satyagrahi does not inflict pain on the adversary; he does not seek his destruction. In the use of satyagraha, there is no ill-will.
3. (i) One could win the battle through nonviolence.
(ii) This could be done by appealing to the conscience of the oppressor.
(iii) People – including the oppressors – had to be persuaded to see the truth, instead of being forced to accept truth through the use of violence.
(iv) Any other relevant point