ABSTRACT
This belief in the unity of religion and politics represented one of the great dilemmas that Gandhi faced in the liberation of India. He abhorred the sectarian “groupism” of politics, viewing it a diminishment of life. Most politics were about power, its use and abuse, and consequently conflicted with his perception of religion. He talked about “spiritualizing the political life” of India, of making it a powerful moral force in the politics of the country. To do this he built on the ancient concept of ahimsa that demanded reverence for all life based on non-violence. Non-violence emerged as the guiding principle of Gandhi’s political beliefs. Satyagraha, a cosmic “soul force,” lent righteousness, confidence, and direction to his actions. Spiritualizing politics meant ridding it of hate, violence, and the drive for control over others. Politics demanded truth and truth depended on non-violence. This meant Gandhi often opted out of formal politics, particularly politics that could not be cleansed. Nonresistance and non-compliance were more important expressions of political activism than direct participation in party politics. As he lived up to the very high expectations that he set, he moved a nation toward independence and a world toward compassion and admiration.
