Modern-Day Satyagrahi

HOPE K FITZ





For quite some time, I have considered myself to be a modernday satyagrahi, as one who is dedicated to satyagraha -Gandhi's Truth Force or Soul Force against himsa, or harm.However, whereas Gandhi's efforts were directed primarily against the actions of a corrupt government or government officials in the struggle for Indian rights and ultimately independence from colonial rule, I take the role of the modern-day satyagrahi to be actively engaged in a force against oppression of any kind; conflict and violence at all levels; harm to animals; and the wanton destruction of the environment. Satyagrahis should try to alleviate suffering whenever and wherever they can.
Following Mahatma Gandhi's thought, I believe that ahimsa is fundamental to satyagraha.Also, because he tried to practise ahimsa at every moment of his life, I think that as his followers, we should adopt his notion of ahimsa and try to practice it to the level of each of our abilities. According to Gandhi, ahimsa has negative and positive aspects. The negative aspect can be expressed as no intentional harm to any living creature by thought, word or deed. The positive aspect is the greatest love or compassion for all living beings.... What Mahatma Gandhi emphasised for all satyagrahis was that they were not to harbour hatred or even anger against their opponents. A true satyagrahi only seeks to convert his oppressor to ahimsa. I believe that this is an essential truth for every satyagrahi or would-be satyagrahi.