Mahatma Gandhi's Autobiography

Gandhi's Autobiography

Gandhi's autobiography is in many ways unconventional and certainly

not what I expected from such a renown figure in history. Firstly, the

book does not cover a large portion if his politically active life, as

Gandhi lived for approximately another twenty years after the events

he describes. Gandhi wrote this book in the language of Gujarati (to

promote the use of Hindi and Gujarati), it has been translated

although left unedited in this edition. The subtitle of the book is

very appropriate, in that this book is not a 'history' book mapping

out the political and social struggles of Gandhi, but rather a

self-reflection on his life, told through a series of experiments.

A large part of this book consists of Gandhi's own personal struggles

and self-discovery. He attempts to attain moksha (release from the

cycle of samsara) by finding truth, as he believes that this is the

only path to God. Ghandi adopts the policy of bramacharya (celibacy)

and also what he is most well known for, the way of ahimsa

(non-violence). From his early recollection of family ties and a child

marriage aged only thirteen, Gandhi continues to give the reader an

insight into his thoughts on relationships, friends and family. His

personal philosophy of taking nothing for granted shows clearly

through the pages of this book. Gandhi experiences everything for

himself and this book is a clear reflection of how, it was only

through experimenting and exploring different lifestyles, religions

and theologies, that his own personal philosophy and spirituality

developed. This autobiography is a painfully honest one. Gandhi lays

out his faults and ...

... middle of paper ...

...oject a

certain image of himself.

Ghandi says that he would rather be remembered for his actions than

for what he said or what he wrote. If this book is judged on the

issues it raises rather than the prose it is written in, it has to be

one of the more challenging yet profound books that I have read. It

provides a great insight into philosophy, human nature and politics.

In addition to this, it explores the rich culture of India;

traditions, religions and history. Although in the end Gandhi returns

to his roots, of Hinduism, Indian culture and vegetarianism, he does

not insinuate that this is the only 'path to truth', but rather that

it is through exploring and understanding different cultures and

traditions that we can find our own path in life. This book reflects

how Gandhi was a true 'Mahatama' - a great soul.