–This is the first post for a new category described as “Different Drummer”. In this category I explain how I disagree with a famous and recognized leader or celebrity in an aspect that is usually motive of admiration for most of the people.–
The first leader that I disagree with within this Category is Gandhi and I specifically differ with him on the way that Gandhi applied his “Non violence” philosophy.
Gandhi was a spiritual and political leader who led India to the independence from foreign domination through his civil disobedience and non violence movement . I admire him for his commitment to the causes that he pursued and his persistence and courage.
However, he wasn’t consistent in the application of his renowned non violence philosophy.
It is supposed that the basis of this philosophy was to fight the violence with non violence.
He broke this principle several times when he decided to put on risk the Health and Wellness of an innocent as a means of protesting against the British !
Every time Gandhi performed a hunger strike he broke the principle of Non Violence.
When a leader allows the violence against an innocent as a valid way of reaching certain purpose, he/she is validating violence.
Trough history we have seen several martyrs die for a cause, in other words, those martyrs have allowed innocent people (themselves) to die for a cause, perpetuating violence as a valid resource.
Violence is not acceptable and we shall not accept it as a valid resource even when the victim of the violence is willing to experience it, as it happens in a hunger strike.
I invite you today to realize that all expression of violence is unnecessary, let’s realize that Love is the only authentic Force in the Universe, let’s experience Love through our thoughts, words and actions. Let’s revere all the expressions of Life and realize that violence never makes any sense.
PS: The spirit of this post was inspired by the message of Peace that Lisis delivered in her post on her blog Quest for Balance.
Invitation to act:
I invite you to submit your comment below expressing if you agree on the application of violence against yourself as a resource to fight for a cause.
Would you harm yourself for a noble cause?
There is a great cause that would validate the use of violence upon an innocent?
Feel free to share this information with others…
Tags: Originality
This is a great point to consider. I’ve often wondered about Ghandi’s method, or that of the monk that set himself on fire at Tiananmen square. It seems to me there is more to be gained by diplomacy, or strategic, concerted efforts of civil disobedience (peaceful revolutions). Violence, when it’s against ourselves or someone else, is really no different than a toddler throwing a tantrum out of anger and frustration and the inability to communicate.
Communication is the key to peaceful resolutions… in relationships, in national debates, and in international conflicts. That is where we need to be spending our efforts, I think.
Great post, Boris!
Remember, all of us are not without imperfections. But all our efforts can bring much change.
Lisis,
You are right, we should focus more on communication and other constructive behaviour. Specially on these times…
Thanks for your comments!
Boris
Walter,
You are right in both comments:
1. We all have some kind of imperfections!
2. Our actions and efforts are creating positive change!
Thanks for your comments.
Boris
Hello Boris,
Great post on violence. I never knew that Ghandi did that. I never really studied him though, all I knew about Ghondi is that we have the same birthday.
I strongly believe that love is the only way to live by in this world, but unfortunately in this day and age many others out there are for settling things violently. This forces people who like to live the way of non violence and love, to sometimes think about violent ways to protect themselves when absolutley needed, which is sad, but a reality ( I’m talking about crime situations).
It seems that much of the innocence in this world has been lost to greed, crime, pornography, and drugs. We have to preserve what innocence and purity is left, so we don’t lose it all. The way to do that is through carrying as much love and compassion in our hearts as we can.
Wishing you a wonderful new year Boris.
May all of your wishes come true in 2010.
Lydia
Lydia,
Thanks for your continuous presence, comments and wishes. I totally agree with you: Love is the answer.
All the best for you!
Boris
Boris´s last blog ..I disagree with… Gandhi
I agree with this quote: “Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.”
- Mohandas Gandhi
kathy´s last blog ..moving
Kathy,
Love is always appropriate in any context!
Boris´s last blog ..New safety rules after Flight 253
Greetings !
”
Every time Gandhi performed a hunger strike he broke the principle of Non Violence.”
Those were exactly my words to a dear one recently !!
Hope it’s okay to post this comment.
Cheers
autre
Autre,
Welcome to Read-y.com. Your comments are always welcome!
All the best,
Boris
Boris´s last blog ..Google Wave – An update
[...] it now. Read why “I disagree with Gandhi” and other posts published in this site in the Category: “Different Drummer”. These posts [...]