Abstract:
The objective of this research is to study the Gandhian concept of ahimsa which lays emphasis on the principle of nonviolence instead of violence. This research has investigated firstly the Gandhian metaphysical foundation of thought concerning satya and ahimsa. Satya according to Gandhi refers to the Absolute which is the fountainhead of force and raison d'ȇtre of all existence. Nothing exists in reality except satya. Gandhi defines satya as God instead of God as satya. As satya is the essence of morality, so human being is the representative of morality, seeking satya. To devote oneself to satya is the single reason for human existence. In practical aspect, Gandhi advocates the principle of ahimsa. This word refers positively to great love, but negatively to non-injury to life through bodily, verbal and mental activity. It may be said that satya and ahimsa corelate each other just like the two sides of the same coin. Ahimsa is the mean, whereas satya is its end. Though satya is the highest, practically ahimsa is more important and the way leading to satya. From the metaphysical point of view as such, Gandhi applies the principle of ahimsa to political and social actions. According to him, politics and religions cannot be separated from each other. This is because politics without religion is meaningless. Gandhi applies the principle of ahimsa not only to the creed and policy but to the scope of politics and society also. In this research, this Gandhian principle has been divided into 3 topics: (1) ahimsa and his personal life, (2) ahimsa and national life, and (3) ahimsa and individual life in the international level. The outcome of this research can be concluded as follows: According to Gandhi, absolute satya and ahimsa can by no means be accessible. In the ethical aspect, Gandhi advocates that though ahimsa is the highest principle, the violent means cannot be absolutely set aside in the practical aspect. So he confirms that the personal intention is the criteria of good and bad or right and wrong. Ahimsa is the best way to encounter present situations or the violence of the opponents. Gandhi suggests that in case of necessity, the violent ways may be allowed instead of cowardice. Gandhi also applies the principle of ahimsa to politics for fighting the tyrants. If the activity as such fails sometimes, he still advocates the hard and fast rule of nonviolence and at the same time returns to analysis, its defects for improvement and a new test. Having the project, steps and orders of the efficient leaders like this, ahimsa is the best way for fighting for justice among men. By means of this principle, Gandhi could at last free India successfully from the yoke of England.