The Story of My Experiments with Truth

Spirituality, for Mahatma Gandhi, was a framework through which he viewed and navigated the world. At the root of his spiritual universalism lay Hinduism, the faith of his birth and upbringing. Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, has many philosophical, spiritual, and cultural expressions, and its multifaceted nature encompasses a vast array of scriptures, beliefs, and practices. Rooted in this diverse tradition, certain pivotal Hindu concepts shaped Gandhi’s spirituality. Thus, he developed a sense of spiritual universalism as a counterpoint to colonialism rooted in Hindu tradition.

Multiple strands of Hindu philosophy are apparent in Gandhi’s spiritual worldview. Dharma, one of Hinduism’s central tenets, embodies a sense of righteousness, morality, and the ethical path. In the Mahabharata and Ramayana, dharma is a recurrent theme, guiding the protagonists in their moral quandaries. This sense of dharma influenced Gandhi’s idea of righteous action, which he viewed as a moral obligation regardless of the consequences. From the philosophy of Advaita, he derived the notion of non-dualism, which posits a fundamental interconnectedness between individual souls (atman) and the ultimate reality (brahman), which imparted to him a sense of universalism. On the other hand, the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita, which champions “qualified” non-dualism, resonated with his active participation in worldly matters. Unlike Advaita, Vishishtadvaita emphasizes the reality of the world and individual souls, championing personal devotion and the divine’s personal aspect. Gandhi’s focus on interconnectedness and personal transformation as a path to societal change echoes the tenets of Vishishtadvaita. Thus, Gandhi blended both philosophies into his unique spiritual compass.

Another foundational Hindu concept is atman, the eternal soul. In Hindu cosmology, atman is considered imperishable, continually undergoing cycles of birth and rebirth until it achieves moksha, or liberation. Gandhi’s emphasis on the sanctity of every life, his unwavering commitment to nonviolence (ahimsa), and his belief in the inherent goodness of individuals arose from this understanding of the soul’s purity and divinity.

These foundational Hindu beliefs informed Gandhi’s ventures beyond the confines of one tradition. He engaged with other religious philosophies, such as Christianity, Islam, and Jainism, not as a critic or a mere observer but as a seeker. He discerned resonances between these religions and his Hindu foundation, emphasizing the universality of core spiritual truths. This melding of particular Hindu concepts with universal spiritual principles became the bedrock of Gandhi’s philosophy, which in turn informed his sociopolitical activism, emphasizing unity, mutual respect, and shared purpose amid diversity.

However, such universalizing approaches are fraught with risks. Aiming for a syncretic understanding can sometimes lead to oversimplification, which may dilute or misrepresent the diverse interpretations of individual religious doctrines. Such an approach thus risks overshadowing the nuances and cultural contexts inherent in specific teachings and, from within these traditions, being perceived as an erasure or even appropriation of their wisdom and lived experiences. However, in the context of Gandhi’s time, which was marked by overt colonial oppression, blatant inequality and racism, religious divisions, and sociopolitical upheaval, this universalizing approach was effective. Colonialism was not merely an economic or political endeavor; it was also a cultural project that often manifested as Eurocentrism. The British Empire, like other colonial powers, frequently regarded its own culture and religion as superior, often relegating Indigenous beliefs and practices to the realms of “exotic,” “primitive,” or even “barbaric.” This hierarchical perspective propagated a divisive worldview, promoting feelings of inferiority among the colonized and superiority among the colonizers. Gandhi’s spiritual universalism was as much a political statement as a quest for truth. By emphasizing the commonalities between Hinduism, his native spiritual tradition, and other world religions, Gandhi was subtly but firmly contesting the presumed superiority of the Western (specifically Christian) worldview. By highlighting the universality of core spiritual truths, he was dismantling the colonial view that positioned Eastern religions as lesser or flawed.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase meaning “the world is one family,” encapsulates Gandhi’s universalism. His spiritual universalism was about reclaiming cultural dignity, spiritual autonomy, and, perhaps most importantly, humanity’s shared moral core. This universalistic vision was one of Gandhi’s antidotes to the divisiveness of colonialism, offering a worldview that not only tolerated but genuinely respected and celebrated diverse spiritual paths.