Word for Today: Satyagraha

Oct. 2, 2007, is the first International Day of Non-Violence, commemorating both the anniversary of Gandhi's birthday, as well as satyagraha.*

I'm currently reading Gandhi's autobiography, My Experiments with Truth. It really is an interesting look at the man behind the "image." A friend of mine made the comment that it's likely very hard being the little people who surround the genius. I think that's right on, as Gandhi had very specific ways he wanted to accomplish things, and much of it was experimentation--and everyone who was a part of his life had to go along with it. I appreciate that he's not painted as perfect, but as quite human and fallible.

The most remarkable element of his story, is his willingness to forgive. He sees that people hate, make laws that are unfair, and hurt each other because of a wrong understanding of some sort. He also determined when and where he would pick his battles, which to me, showed great humility and insight.

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*Satyagraha is the practice of non-violent resistance, which Gandhi used in his early days in South Africa and then later in India. The concept of satyagraha also greatly influenced Martin Luther King, Jr. in his efforts during the U.S. Civil Rights movement.

Gandhi made a clear distinction between passive resistance and satyagraha (which basically has no translation). Satyagraha is always based in truth, meaning that unjust methods can never be used ... even to achieve justice, and the goal is not to "win" but to actually convert the opposition to recognize the just way.