Mahatma Gandhi's Message and Religion
Mahatma Gandhi was part of a religion called Hinduism, which was the main religion of India. Hindus believe that God takes various forms called deities and that he is everywhere and in everything. They are very devote vegetarians and Mahatma kept a religious vow of observing silence and fasting on Mondays. He also refused to kill any animal for food or clothing.
Gandhi claimed that at the core of every religion there was love and truth. Gandhi stated that "his life was his message." Contrary to the beliefs of most, he thought that women could play an important role in conquering the country's struggles. Gandhi's message centered around peace and love. He believed in nonviolence and that it took great courage to be this way. In fact, he helped free India from British rule using his own special method of nonviolent opposition.
Mahatma Gandhi developed a method of truth, bravery, and nonviolence called Satyagraha. Satyagraha is a method that states that the way you behave is more important than what you can achieve. Its name comes from the words 'satya' which means truth and 'agraha' which means firmness.
Mahatma is known to the people of India as the father of their nation. He believed that truth could only be known through tolerance and concern for others and that finding a truthful way to solutions needed constant testing. As Gandhi once said, "Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love."
"Nonviolence is the first article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed."
-- Mohandas K. Gandhi, 1922