E-Book - Mahatma Gandhi

44 Contextualising Gandhian ThoughtTown in South Africa (November 13 to 22, 1909) on board ofthe Kildonan Castle. Non-violence, according to Gandhi, hasits source in soul-force (atmabal), and violence in body-force(sharirbal). He uses a number of terms to describe the qualitiesof soul-force: love-force (prembal), truth-force (satyabal),compassion-force (dayabal), suffering-force (tapbal) andjustice-force (nitibal). The soul is able to exercise these forcesnatural to it only when the mind is able to exercise control overitself and the passions. Ultimately then, the success of the ethicof non-violence depends on the state of the soul, the mind andthe passions- in one word, on self-rule. 27 Mark Juergensmeyerelaborates that the guidelines given by Gandhi in response tothe terrorism of the Indian activists in London in 1909 may beapplied to the current situation. They are: stop a situation ofviolence in its tracks, address the issues leading to violence,and maintain the moral high ground. What is important is thefact that a non-violent response to terrorism is already anelement of political discourse. It is not a new idea, but rather astrand of public thinking that deserves attention and, Gandhimight argue, respect. 28 It is time the world realises that thealternatives to coercion, violence, distrust and chaos isrestoration of peace, faith and trust.ConclusionGandhi’s teachings and practice of non-violence canhelp people to find their way in the contemporary tangle ofviolence and hatred. Gandhi’s legacy is of paramountimportance today, because Gandhi challenges efficiency andlegitimacy of violence. His non-violence is a form of powerthat challenges the injustices and brutalities around us. Hisstruggles were against injustice and oppression prevalent in thesociety and those of the state. He challenges us to think of whatcan be done in contemporary times in the areas stretching frompersonal to political. This task is not that easy. He himself hadwritten, “For infallible guidance, man has to have a perfectly