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34th out of 159 books
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103 voters
Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters)
Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) is widely acknowledged as one of the great souls of the twentieth century. As the leader of the Indian independence movement he defined the modem practice of nonviolence, wedding an ethic of love to a practical method of social struggle. In the end, however, his philosophy was rooted in a deep spirituality. For Gandhi the struggle for peace and...more
Paperback, 192 pages
Published
September 15th 2002
by Orbis Books
(first published June 1970)
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I would argue that the editor/narrator of this book has infused too much of himself into it, and would have been better served keeping his presence to a minimum. Nevertheless, I can hardly think of better writings to read in these tumultuous times than those of the Mahatma, and this book presents a great collection of them. Some day, I might write a length review titled, 'Arguing with the Mahatma,' in which I take up some of the areas where I dare to disagree with one of the greatest thinkers of...more
Mahatma Gandhi, or the Great Soul, remains known some 62 years after his death by assassination for his steadfast forwarding of non-violence as a political and spiritual movement, and accredited with gaining India’s independence from British rule in 1947. Gandhi’s legacy is rooted in his moral authority by acting in concert with his beliefs. John Dear in the introduction to Mohandas Gandi Essential Writings describes Gandhi as an “apostle of non-violence” Though considered an agitator by the Bri...more
Mar 10, 2008
Tommy
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
social revolutionaries (note: do not read this for religious insight)
Gets 5 star for social change and revolutionary commentary but gets 1 star for religious commentary.
Gandhi's teaching of nonviolence is amazing and world changing and served as a great example for men like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela and for those ideas I give him all the credit in the world. I also applaud his well thought out opinion on Jews in Palestine. I think he changed the course of history in a great way.
Here is where I think he was wrong/misguided. Not condemning Hitler. H...more
Gandhi's teaching of nonviolence is amazing and world changing and served as a great example for men like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela and for those ideas I give him all the credit in the world. I also applaud his well thought out opinion on Jews in Palestine. I think he changed the course of history in a great way.
Here is where I think he was wrong/misguided. Not condemning Hitler. H...more
Provides a wealth of food for thought but clearly shows the agenda of the person selecting the writings, placing a heavy emphasis on particular topics while I would have appreciated a more even handed approach.
Read many years ago. On my list to read again soon...
Aug 31, 2009
Maureen
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Maureen by:
UMW
Shelves:
umw-booklist
An overview of Gandhi's writings, this book samples every period of his life. The pieces vary in length and subject matter, and include his time in Britain, South Africa, and India. What does not vary is Gandhi's voice: he speaks out against oppression in a variety of situations. For anyone wanting an introduction to Gandhi's work, this is an edifying collection, and a good place to begin.
This was a disappointing read and in all truthfulness, I never finished it. Once I started it I realized that it was Gandhi's autobiography I thought I'd checked out. I look forward to the autobiography, but this book was too choppy for my taste.
I only read the first two sections. I liked reading about Gandhi's influences but had some issues with his ideas about how individuals should live there lives, and I don't think I have much interest in reading more since this was all I needed for the class.
I found this book interesting in it's ability to show us a Gandhi I was not as familiar with as I thought.
I will always be "currently reading" this book. This man was a prophet. We all have something to learn from him and his teachings of non-violence.. .especially our own country's leaders.
This is a great book! Full of many words of wisdom. I checked it out of the library but I almost wish I owned it because its the kind of book that one can read and read again...
May 22, 2013
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Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world.
The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu Bania community in coastal Gu...more
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The son of a senior government official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu Bania community in coastal Gu...more
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“Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore him to a control over his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?”
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Mar 13, 2008 10:37am