ABSTRACT
In terms of Celtic spiritual traditions, the period from the 6th to the 11th century placed an emphasis on spiritual practices involving nonviolence and tolerance. The 20th century Celtic scholar, Myles Dillon, noted similarities between the Celtic and Indian traditions based on the fact that they were located in the extreme ends of the Indo-European world and were conservative cultures that retained certain features in common. After World War I Gandhi became more deeply infused with Indian aspirations for Independence from Britain and also became more immersed in the Bhagavad Gita, which encapsulated his strong faith that the Gita represented the eternal duel between forces of evil and good and that good would ultimately prevail. Although Ireland and India were thousands of miles apart, both countries were driven by a compelling need to gain independence from Britain.
