Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines Mahatma Gandhi’s assertions that all religions are one ‘at heart’, that God and Truth go together, and that the search for Truth/God, is the same as the spiritual search for truth of oneself. Self-knowledge requires special efforts, and the life of morality is inalienably connected with it. The book describes the Gandhian and modern notions of religious freedom through the lenses of religious identity, secularism, and education. It explains a critical approach, and argues that Gandhian methods are not suited to resolving inter-religious conflicts characterized by orthodoxy and fanaticism. The book explores similarities between Gandhi and Immanuel Kant on their views of the relationship between morality, faith, superstition, and society. It discusses Gandhi’s view of the growing impact of modern technology and his deep concern about the degradation of values, morality, and integrity due to its unreflective use.