Gandhi Announced His Philosophy of Nonviolence on 9/11

I just learned that Gandhi announced his philosophy of nonviolence on September 11, 1906. My mind immediately went to the attack on the World Trade Centre in New York. I then mentally travelled to Chile recalling Salvador Allende, President of Chile, who died during the Chilean coup of 1973 by the Chilean Army Commander-in-Chief Augusto Pinochet. He was democratically elected and disposed by a dictator. I visited some of the torture places when I was in Chile, they were little buildings all around the city. I saw the photos of those who defied the dictatorship or were seen as sympathisers to Allende. Approximately 5,000 people were held at the football stadium and then taken for execution. I’ve also sat in Tuol Sleng Prison (old high school) in Cambodia where Pol Pot tortured to death people considered enemies of the Khmer Rouge.

I have sat in deep contemplation and wondered had nonviolence been adopted by the world, what world we would have today? At what point do we give up violence as a solution and decide to face ourselves and the deep fears that fuel the need to attack, defend and control?

I recalled joyfully my trip to India where I visited the Gandhian Sabamarti Ashram in Armedabad. I remember being taken to Gandhi’s room by the satyagrahi (devotee). She unlocking his room and my first impression of a sparse room with a spinning wheel, his walking rod, desk, matt and a wheel on the wall depicting his strategy for nonviolence. Looking at the first talking film I was thinking that appears to be the same room. I could be wrong, but I went to his ashram to make him real as stories can appear unreal. You cannot imagine the sacrifice he made personally to show the world another way out of madness. He lived in his integrity and tried to overcome weaknesses we all possess, he said he failed many times as he was human, but he tried until he gained self mastery. How many of us actually try to live a higher way and are prepared to stand up for our beliefs in the face of persecution. Gandhi had a family and I am sure they suffered about his absences (jail, travelling), death threats and safety. He spent many years in jail locked up for demanding change through nonviolence and equality of the Indian people. He refused to fight back. This was seen as enabling a mirror to be placed before the eyes of the British. Had he fought back the argument would be counter strike. To help them see their own violence one side stopped violence. The other can’t blame the other or pidgeon hole them as a violent insurrection, they then see violence doesn’t work and they may then be able to hear what is being asked. He never hated the other and saw no enemy. That was his true power and why he is remembered today as a leader and inspirational figure in the peace area. In fact he is known as the father of nonviolence. He displayed a power and strength unknown in most men, he was a physically small man defying the image of the big strong dominant male archetype we associate with power, often depicted by soldiers. He saw himself as a soldier of peace, he stated he learned nonviolence from observing women. In truth he was revealing the power of the feminine. I am not speaking of women here I am speaking of the feminine, both men and women have this orientation, it is the gentler side of humanity, where compassion, love and peace are the true strengths. I’ve met men who display this strength and interestingly I noticed some don’t have many male friends as the underlying stereotype is to not show sensitivity or feelings. Yet Gandhi showed through his great patience and love that you can overcome the greatest tyrants through the power of nonviolence.

The last thoughts here would have to be quotes from Gandhi and Einstein:

“Whenever I despair, I remember that the way of truth and love has always won. There may be tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they may seem invincible, but in the end, they always fail. Think of it: always.”

“Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.” (Albert Einstein)

Here are two black and white newsreel films depicting Gandhi’s philosophy and his interview about his meeting with the British in London. It was interesting to note the interview had concerns over Gandhi wearing his little loin cloth as his dress or European clothes, he then asked if he would meet King George in his Indian dress. Obviously the British had concerns at his nakedness. I find that funny. How far we have moved from our true nature, we cover it up. What I liked about Gandhi’s response where he said that to wear any other dress would be discourteous to the King. He would see himself as artificial. Such is the love in truth.

The film below was the first talking newsreel on Gandhi regarding his beliefs and his trip to London.