Mahatma Gandhi: His Life and Ideas

by Charles F. Andrews, Arun Gandhi (Foreword by), Arun Gandhi

Overview

An intimate biography of one of the greatest social and religious reformers of the modern world.

"Gandhi's work in nonviolence was comprehensive and not simply confined to politics or human rights. It was about building positive relationships based on respect, understanding, acceptance and appreciation. It was about eliminating exploitation of all kinds and creating harmony."
—from the Foreword by Dr. Arun Gandhi, cofounder of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

Mohandas Gandhi (1869–1948) was one of the most important and influential social and religious reformers of the past century, spending his life striving for justice, peace and equality among countries, races and classes. His ideas and ideals have inspired generations of activists—from Martin Luther King Jr. to Vaclav Havel—and acted as catalysts for change in every corner of the globe.

In this intimate biography, Charles ("Charlie") Andrews-Englishman, Anglican priest, and a close friend and colleague of Gandhi's in both South Africa and India—explores the life and times of this great soul, providing fascinating insight into the spiritual, political and historical environment that affected Gandhi, playing key roles in the development of his thought and action.

Mahatma Gandhi: His Life and Ideas uses letters, personal reminiscences and excerpts from Gandhi's many published and private writings to paint a vivid and accessible portrait of the personality and spirit of one of the most prominent figures in Indian—and world—history.

This updated edition showcases a new foreword about the continuing impact and importance of Gandhi's message today, written by Dr. Arun Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's grandson and cofounder of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781893361898
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	08/01/2003
Series:	SkyLight Lives Series
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	398,532
Product dimensions:	2.36(w) x 3.54(h) x 0.84(d)

About the Author

Charles F. Andrews (1871–1940) was a close friend of both Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. An Anglican clergyperson, he was the only person to call Gandhi by the nickname "Mohan," and was considered by Gandhi himself to be the highest living representative of Christianity.

Dr. Arun Gandhi is Mahatma Gandhi's grandson and cofounder of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence in Memphis, Tennessee. He is the author of several books, including Legacy of Love: My Education in the Path of Nonviolence.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the SkyLight Lives Edition
Preface
Introduction
A Short List of Common Indian Words

Part I
The Religious Environment
1. The Background of Hinduism
2. The Hindu-Muslim Problem
3. The Christian Contact
4. "The Place of Jesus"
5. The Ashram of Soul-Force
6. The Religious Meaning of Swadeshi
7. The Teaching of Ahimsa
8. The Ethics of Khaddar
9. “Our Shame and Theirs”

Part II
The Historical Setting
10. A Confession of Faith, 1909
11. Passive Resistance in South Africa
12. Tolstoy Farm
13. Satyagraha in India
14. “To Every Englishman”
15. “The Great Sentinel”
16. The Bombay Riots
17. Trial and Imprisonment
18. The Fast at Delhi
19. The Women's Movement in India
20. A Morning with Gandhi
21. Conclusion

A Note from the Editors at SkyLight Paths
Appendices
Acknowledgments
Index

Photographs
Mahatma Gandhi circa 1930
Gandhi in South Africa circa 1900
Gandhi as a law-student in London
Satyagrahis with Gandhi seated in the middle
Tolstoy Farm

Editorial Reviews

"Gandhi's soulful genius is as relevant today as ever. Come to think of it, perhaps even more so. How fortunate to have this classic, intimate biography so available to help us understand. Charles F. Andrews conveys the heart of Gandhi's spiritual activism as only an intimate friend can."
—Ira Rifkin, author, Spiritual Perspectives on Globalization: Making Sense of Economic and Cultural Upheaval

From the Publisher