Gandhian Thoughts: Ethics, Morality and Interlink

This paper critically examines the Gandhian philosophical triad of Satya (truth), Ahimsa (nonviolence), and Satyagraha, elucidating the intrinsic interrelation among these core concepts. For Mahatma Gandhi, these principles are not discrete but deeply intertwined; this study seeks to explore the nuanced interconnectivity that underpins his moral and political thought. Gandhi famously asserted that "Truth is God" and "God is Truth." While these statements are logically equivalent within the framework of the identity relation, Gandhi privileged the formulation "Truth is God" as ontologically and ethically more foundational. The implications of this prioritization are analysed in depth. Gandhi's conceptualization of nonviolence is inextricably linked with the quest for truth, to the extent that the two are practically inseparable. This paper engages with various dimensions of Gandhi’s notion of nonviolence, delineating its ethical, spiritual, and socio-political facets. Satyagraha, a term coined by Gandhi himself, signifies a form of principled, nonviolent resistance aimed not at defeating the adversary but at transforming opposition by awakening the moral conscience of the opponent. The study further interrogates Gandhi's distinction between Satyagraha and Passive Resistance, clarifying the former's deeper philosophical and ethical commitments. Moreover, the paper explores the diverse modalities of Satyagraha endorsed by Gandhi, including non-cooperation, civil disobedience, and tax resistance. Special attention is paid to the stringent ethical prerequisites that Gandhi imposed upon the Satyagrahi, emphasizing moral discipline and spiritual integrity.