Hinduism is like the Ganga, pure and unsullied at its source but taking in its course the impurities in the way. Even like the Ganga it is beneficent in its total effect. It takes a provincial form in every province, but the inner substance is retained everywhere.
Mahatma GandhiIf we want Swaraj to be built on non-violence, we will have to give the villages their proper place.
Mahatma GandhiMy idea of society is that while we are born equal, meaning that we have a right to equal opportunity, all have not the same capacity.
Mahatma GandhiUnder my plan, the state will be there to carry out the will of the people, not to dictate to them or to force them to do its will.
Mahatma GandhiI eat to live, to serve, and also, if it so happens, to enjoy, but I do not eat for the sake of enjoyment.
Mahatma GandhiWith every true friendship we build more firmly the foundations on which the peace of the whole world rests. Thought by thought and act by act, with every breath we build more firmly the kingdom of non-violence that is the true home of the spirit of humanity.
Mahatma GandhiThe fragrance of religious and spiritual life is much finer and subtler than that of the rose.
Mahatma GandhiIf there ever is to be a republic of every village in India, then I claim verity for my picture in which the last is equal to the first or, in other words, no one is to be the first and none the last.
Mahatma GandhiIt may be long before the law of love will be recognised in international affairs. The machineries of government stand between and hide the hearts of one people from those of another.
Mahatma GandhiWhen doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, and I see not one ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to Bhagavad-gita and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. Those who meditate on the Gita will derive fresh joy and new meanings from it every day.
Mahatma GandhiThe end of nonviolent 'war' is always an agreement, never dictation, much less humiliation of the opponent.
Mahatma GandhiTo run away from danger, instead of facing it, is to deny one's faith in man and God, even one's own self. It were better for one to drown oneself than live to declare such bankruptcy of faith.
Mahatma GandhiIt is degrading both for man and woman that woman should be called upon or induced to forsake the hearth and shoulder the rifle for the protection of that hearth.
Mahatma GandhiMy shyness has been in reality my shield and buckler. It has allowed me to grow. It has helped me in my discernment of truth.
Mahatma GandhiGovernment of the people by the people and for the people cannot be conducted at the bidding of one man, however great he may be.
Mahatma GandhiCelebration of Independence Day with great pomp and show was quite appropriate when we were fighting for independence which we had neither seen nor handled. Now we have handled it and we seem to be disillusioned. At least - I am, even if you are not. What are we celebrating today? Surely, not our disillusionment.
Mahatma GandhiI have known only one way of carrying on missionary work, viz., by personal example and discussion with searchers for knowledge.
Mahatma GandhiWithout the study of Samskrit one cannot become a true Indian and a true learned man.
Mahatma GandhiWe should be able to refuse to live if the price of living be the torture of sentient beings.
Mahatma GandhiThe press is called the Fourth Estate. It is definitely a power, but, to misuse that power is criminal.
Mahatma GandhiStrength of numbers is the delight of the timid. The Valiant in spirit glory in fighting alone.
Mahatma GandhiThere is only one God for us all, whether we find him through the Koran, the Zend-Avesta, The Tolmud, or the Gita.
Mahatma GandhiIf every component part of the nation claims the right of self-determination for itself, there is no one nation and there is no independence.
Mahatma GandhiThough a non-co-operator, I shall gladly subscribe to a bill to make it criminal for anybody to call me mahatma and to touch my feet.
Mahatma GandhiAn ideal sanctified by the sacrifices of such master spirits as Lenin cannot go in vain, the noble example of their renunciation will be emblazoned for ever and quicken and purify the ideal as time passes.
Mahatma GandhiIf I could persuade myself that I could find Him in a Himalayan cave I would proceed there immediately.
Mahatma GandhiA devotee of Rama may be said to be the same as the steadfast one (sthitaprajnya) of the Gita.
Mahatma GandhiAhimsa is the highest duty. Even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence.
Mahatma GandhiWhy, of all places in Johannesburg, the Indian location should be chosen for dumping down all kaffirs of the town, passes my comprehension. Of course, under my suggestion, the Town Council must withdraw the Kaffirs from the Location. About this mixing of the Kaffirs with the Indians I must confess I feel most strongly. I think it is very unfair to the Indian population, and it is an undue tax on even the proverbial patience of my countrymen.
Mahatma GandhiStrictly speaking, no activity and no industry is possible without a certain amount of violence, no matter how little. Even the very process of living is impossible without a certain amount of violence. What we have to do is to minimize it to the greatest extent possible.
Mahatma GandhiTo a people famishing and idle, the only acceptable form in which God can dare appear is work and promise of food as wages.
Mahatma Gandhi