Deciphering Non-Western Sources In Gandhian Political Philosophy

Abstract

Gandhi, perhaps one of the most prominent leaders of our day, not only opposed foreign influences in the formation of his beliefs but also preserved his indigenous identity. He fortified his beliefs using traditional and indigenous materials. He came up with a one-of-a-kind conversion strategy in order to successfully translate a foreign concept into his own language. Because of this, he was able to modify the conflict between tradition and modernity in order to fulfil his paradigmatic criteria. In order to internalise the essence without adopting the framework of Western perspectives, Gandhi skilfully used non-Western resources as a kind of alchemy. This research article aims to examine how Mahatma Gandhi's ideas and actions were shaped by Indian intellectual heritage and how those influences have significance to our modern environment. Although Gandhi drew inspiration from Western authors such as Tolstoy, Ruskin, and Thoreau, the ideals and philosophy of India also had a significant impact on his life and work. The foundation of Indian philosophy, the Vedas, had an impact on Gandhi. The Vedas are sacred and holy and its essence lies in virtue like nobility, courage, honesty, chastity, humility, simplicity, forgiveness, and godliness. The Bhagavad Gita had an impact on him as well. Jainism, Buddhism, Yoga, and Vedanta all had a significant influence on Gandhi's thought. Quotes from these systems' underlying principles appear often in his speeches and writings. The ethical and spiritual principles of Indian philosophy had an impact on Gandhi, but he also reworked them to fit the religious, political, and social climate of his day. The research in this regard would analyse and elucidate Gandhi's core beliefs and the objectives he sought to convey via his Non-Western concepts and ideals.