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Nonviolence: The Matchless Weapon

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Gandhi and Leadership

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Abstract

Gandhi was a naturally charismatic leader. His entire leadership agenda rested on the moral principle of nonviolence (ahimsā) and the spiritual philosophy of truth (satya). These were the two categorical imperatives of his moral and spiritual worldview. No mere best policy, nonviolence was a living reality for Gandhi. With the possible exception of the Buddha and the Jain teacher, Mahāvira, seldom has any other human being laid so much importance on nonviolence in their life and thought. What was great loving compassion (karunā) for the Buddha became love expressed and actuated as nonviolence for Gandhi. In his own words: “Nonviolence is the frst article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed.”1Ahimsāis an important tenet of the ancient Indian religions, Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, and represents an ontological stance about the sacredness of and reverence for all life. Its awareness is what really distinguishes us from other animals. All great teachers of humanity have highlighted it from time immemorial with varying degrees of emphasis.

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Notes

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  1. Satinder Dhiman
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© 2015 Satinder Dhiman

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Dhiman, S. (2015). Nonviolence: The Matchless Weapon. In: Gandhi and Leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137492357_6

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