Mohan-Mala - Mahatma Gandhi

Mohan-MalaJuly 8No matter how weak a person is in body, if it is a shame to flee. He will standhis ground and die at his post. This would be non-violence and bravery. Nomatter how weak he is, he will use what strength he has in inflicting injury onhis opponent, and die in the attempt. This is bravery, but not non-violence ifwhen his duty is to face danger, he flees, it is cowardice. In the first case in theman will have love or charity in him. In the second and third cases, there wouldbe a dislike or distrust and fear.H, 17 Aug. 1935July 9If the best minds of the world have not imbibed of the spirit of non-violence,they would have to meet gangsterism in the orthodox way. But that would onlyshow that we have not gone far beyond the law of the jungle, that we have notyet learnt to appreciate the heritage that God has given us, that in spite of theteaching of Christianity which is 1900 years old and of Hinduism and Buddhismwhich are older, and even Islam, we have not made much headway as humanbeings. But whilst I would understand the use of force by those who have notthe spirit of non-violence in them I would have those who know non-violence tothrow their whole weight in demonstrating that even gangsterism has to be metwith non-violence.H, 10 Dec. 1938July 10Fearlessness is the first requisite of spirituality Cowards can never be moral.YI, 13 Oct. 1921July 11Let us fear God and we shall cease to fear man.www.mkgandhi.org Page 52