STUDY MATERIAL
Semester: I
Part: II
Course Title: General English – I
Unit: I (SELF-AWARENESS (WHO) & POSITIVE THINKING - UNICEF LIFE STORY)
Title: An Autobiography or My Experiments with Truth (Ch.1,2&3) - M. K. Gandhi
MY EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH
M. K. Gandhi
Introduction
An Autobiography or My Experiments with Truth is the memoir of
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of
the Indian Nationalist Movement against British colonial rule. The book delves
deeply into the inner life of Gandhi, tracing his developmental stages,
spiritual quests, moral experiments, and path to becoming a leader and symbol
of non-violent resistance. An Autobiography is not just a mere
recounting of events but an exploration into the depths of Gandhi's soul, his
unwavering commitment to truth, and his steadfastness in the face of adversity.
It is both an intimate look into the inner world of a great leader and a lens
to understand the broader socio-political landscape of the times he lived in.
Background
- Publication
Details: The original
autobiography was written in Gujarati and published in a series in the
journal "Navjivan" during 1925-1929. It was later translated
into English and other languages. The English translation was titled
"An Autobiography or My Experiments with Truth."
- Structure: The autobiography is divided into
five parts, chronicling different phases of Gandhi's life, from his
childhood days in Gujarat, his years in England and South Africa, and his
return to India where he became the leader of the Indian National
Movement.
- Content
Focus: Unlike typical
autobiographies that focus on external life events, Gandhi's narrative is
more introspective. He delves into his struggles, dilemmas, spiritual
inquiries, and moral experiments. The title itself suggests his approach
to life as a series of experiments to discover truth. He discusses his
experiments with diet, celibacy, spirituality, and most importantly, with
truth and non-violence (Satyagraha).
- Significance: The book provides invaluable insights
into the making of the Mahatma – how an ordinary individual transformed
himself into a colossal figure in the annals of world history. It goes
beyond personal narrative, intersecting with the socio-political changes
of his times, thereby providing readers with a nuanced understanding of
the Indian freedom struggle and the philosophy of non-violence.
- Reception: When published, the autobiography was
widely read and acclaimed for its honest and intimate portrayal of a man
who was not just a political leader but also a spiritual beacon. It has
since been translated into numerous languages and is considered a classic
in the realms of both autobiography and political thought.
Summary
Chapter 1: Birth and Parentage
The first chapter of Gandhi's
autobiography is an intimate exploration of his roots. It provides a glimpse
into the familial and cultural milieu that influenced his early years. By
sharing the virtues and principles of his parents, especially their commitment
to truth and righteousness, Gandhi lays the foundation for the subsequent
chapters where he embarks on his own quest for truth and self-realization. In
the opening chapter titled "Birth and Parentage," Gandhi provides an
overview of his genealogy, tracing the background of his family and their
standing in the community.
- Place of
Birth: Gandhi was
born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day
Gujarat, India. He mentions that Porbandar, also known as Sudamapuri, has
an association with Sudama, the close friend of Lord Krishna from the
Indian epic Mahabharata.
- Family's
Religious Adherence:
Gandhi’s family were devout Vaishnavas, followers of Vishnu. However, his
family also showed respect to other religious traditions. He makes note of
the fact that his family's household also had Jain influences, given the
strong Jain tradition in Gujarat. The spirit of tolerance and respect for
other religions was inculcated in him from an early age.
- Family
Profession: The
Gandhis were known as Modh Bania, referring to their merchant caste in the
Gujarati community. Gandhi provides information about his grandfather's
migration from the original family home and his occupation as a merchant.
- Father -
Karamchand Gandhi:
Gandhi introduces his father, Karamchand Gandhi, also referred to as Kaba
Gandhi. Kaba Gandhi was the diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar, and later
served in the same role in the princely states of Rajkot and Vankaner.
Although he had little formal education, he was a man of great wisdom and
had a noble character. He was known for his sense of justice, patience,
and sharp intellect. He also had a strong interest in spiritual and
religious matters and often invited scholars from different backgrounds to
engage in religious discussions at his home.
- Mother -
Putlibai: Gandhi’s
mother, Putlibai, was a devoutly religious woman. Her faith had a profound
influence on the young Gandhi. He describes her as an extremely pious
lady, deeply committed to her religious duties, and observing frequent
fasts. Putlibai's piety was not limited to ritualistic practices; she also
demonstrated deep compassion and concern for the well-being of others.
Gandhi credits her with teaching him the significance of self-sacrifice,
renunciation, and purity.
- Influence
of Parents: Gandhi
mentions that his parents’ characters were a blend of sattva (goodness and
purity), rajas (passion and activity), and tamas (ignorance and inertia).
While his father's life was more inclined towards sattva and rajas, his
mother's life primarily embodied sattva. It was their life and teachings
that played a significant role in shaping Gandhi's early moral and
spiritual values.
- Swear of
Truth: Gandhi
recounts a touching anecdote from his childhood, where his father, sensing
his own impending death, made the young Gandhi promise never to touch
wine, women, and meat. This oath played a significant role in shaping
Gandhi's future life, and he regarded it as a sacred duty to uphold this
promise.
Chapter 2: Childhood
The second chapter of Gandhi's
autobiography provides a candid look into the trials, tribulations, and moral
dilemmas of his youth. By acknowledging his imperfections and sharing personal
anecdotes of both failure and growth, Gandhi presents a human side to his
persona. This chapter offers a more intimate insight into the personal
experiences and challenges he faced growing up. This chapter is crucial as it
sets the stage for the moral and ethical journey that Gandhi undertakes in the
subsequent chapters of his life.
- Moral
Dilemmas: Gandhi
describes his early introduction to the concepts of truth and untruth. As
a child, he was not immune to the temptations of lying, particularly to
avoid trouble or punishment. On one occasion, he stole a bit of gold from
his brother's armlet to clear a debt. Overwhelmed by guilt, he later
confessed to his father, penning down the details of his transgression and
handing the note to him. The reaction of his father, who did not scold or
punish him but instead shed tears, had a profound impact on Gandhi. This
event deepened his resolve to adhere to the truth.
- Early
Schooling: Gandhi's
school years in Porbandar and later in Rajkot are described. At school, he
was a mediocre student, quite shy, and rarely interacted with his peers.
He confesses to being terrified of the school inspector, who conducted
periodic reviews. On one occasion, due to his refusal to spell out words
he didn’t know (a sign of his budding honesty), he faced ridicule from his
teacher.
- Influence
of Religious Stories:
During his formative years, Gandhi was deeply influenced by various
religious and moral tales, which were often recounted to him by elders or
read in books. Stories from the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the
Mahabharata, as well as tales from the life of Shravana and Harishchandra,
left a lasting impression on him. The story of King Harishchandra, known
for his unwavering adherence to truth, was especially impactful and
kindled in the young Gandhi a fascination for truth.
- Adolescent
Challenges: Gandhi
admits to succumbing to certain vices during his adolescent years. He took
up smoking after being influenced by peers, stealing money from the house
to fund the habit. This, however, was short-lived, and he soon abandoned
the practice, burdened by guilt. He also experimented with meat-eating,
spurred by the belief, as told by a friend, that it would make him
stronger and more able to serve the home country against the British.
Although he felt guilty and repulsed, he continued the practice in secret
for a while. It was only when he realized the emotional pain it caused his
devoutly vegetarian mother that he vowed to abstain from meat forever.
- Early
Marital Life: Gandhi
was married at the age of thirteen to Kasturbai. He openly discusses the
challenges and passions of early married life, and how his jealous and
possessive nature troubled his young wife. His admissions highlight his
introspective nature, as he reflects on the struggles of balancing school,
marital life, and personal desires.
- Death of
His Father: Gandhi
shares the pain and regret he felt surrounding the death of his father.
During Kaba Gandhi's final moments, Gandhi, consumed by carnal desires,
left his father's side. While his father passed away, Gandhi was with his
wife. The profound guilt and sorrow of this event marked a turning point
in his life.
- Influence
of Jainism: The Jain
traditions, particularly the teachings of self-restraint, non-violence,
and the pursuit of truth, greatly influenced Gandhi. He was introduced to
the Jain tenets through family acquaintances and was particularly
influenced by a Jain monk, Shrimad Rajchandra, whom he deeply respected.
Chapter 3: Shyness My Shield
In Chapter 3, Gandhi’s
self-reflective narrative sheds light on the intricacies of his personality.
His shyness, which he once saw as a limitation, gradually became a defining
feature of his character. Through introspection, he came to appreciate how it acted
as a safeguard, allowing him to navigate the challenges of life with integrity.
The chapter showcases Gandhi's ability to view his perceived weaknesses as
strengths, revealing the depth of his self-awareness and his journey towards
self-improvement.
- Debating
Society Experience:
Gandhi recalls his days at high school in Rajkot when he became a member
of the debating society. He never mustered the courage to make a speech,
always fearing ridicule. His peers would engage in heated debates, but
Gandhi always found solace in remaining a silent listener. He saw himself
unfit for such societies, attributing his reluctance to speak out to his
shyness.
- English
Lessons: Gandhi's
struggles extended to his English classes. While he was keen to learn
English and frequently read books to improve his understanding, he found
it challenging to converse in the language. This difficulty wasn’t just a
language barrier but stemmed from his fear of making mistakes and being
laughed at.
- Reluctance
Towards Extracurricular Activities: Despite having a pleasant voice, Gandhi never took part
in school singing sessions. He enjoyed watching theatre but never
participated in school plays due to his shyness. He recalls a particular
incident where, because of his reticence, he couldn't act in a school
play, and another boy took his place, performing exceptionally well. This
experience was yet another reminder for Gandhi of the inhibitions caused
by his shyness.
- Comparison
with Brother:
Gandhi’s older brother, Laxmidas, was his antithesis in many ways.
Laxmidas was confident, often participating in debates and showing a keen
interest in theatre. Gandhi admired his brother’s skills and, at times,
envied his confidence.
- Benefits
of Shyness: As Gandhi
matured, he started viewing his shyness in a different light. He believed
that this shyness saved him from many potential pitfalls. Being reserved
by nature, he wasn’t easily influenced by peer pressure, enabling him to
stand firm in his convictions. While he might have missed out on certain
opportunities, he realized that his shyness acted as a shield, protecting
him from potentially harmful situations and decisions.
- Retrospective
Understanding: In the
latter parts of the chapter, Gandhi reflects on how this pronounced trait
of shyness influenced his character. He began to interpret it as a form of
his self-restraint. By not giving into the urge to speak without substance
or engage in activities without purpose, he inadvertently developed a
disciplined lifestyle.
- Impact
on His Legal Career:
Gandhi touches upon how his inherent shyness posed challenges when he
began his legal career in India and later in South Africa. He faced
tremendous difficulty in cross-examining witnesses and feared public
speaking. This, however, changed over time as he recognized the need to
overcome his inhibitions to champion the causes he believed in.
CHARACTER
SKETCH
M. K. Gandhi:
The first three chapters of Gandhi's
autobiography reveal a multi-faceted character. A young Mohandas, though deeply
influenced by his familial and cultural milieu, is not a passive recipient of
these influences. He grapples with them, questions them, and internalizes the
lessons they offer. His journey, marked by mistakes, reflections, and
resolutions, showcases a man in relentless pursuit of self-betterment. The
foundation for the global icon he would become is firmly rooted in these early
experiences, making it evident that Gandhi's greatness lay not just in his
monumental achievements but in his profound humaneness, his earnest quest for
truth, and his unwavering commitment to moral integrity.
- Deep-rooted
Moral Integrity: From
the outset, Gandhi’s profound connection to truth is evident. As a young
boy, when he pilfered a bit of gold or when he smoked, he was tormented by
guilt. These early moral struggles were not just about the acts themselves
but reflected a deeper internal turmoil. The heartrending episode of
confessing his misdemeanors to his father by writing a note showcases the
weight of guilt he felt and his yearning for atonement. It wasn't the act
of confession that was significant but the moral imperative behind it.
- Family
Influences: The
profound impact of his family, especially his parents, on his character is
unmistakable. His father's wisdom and integrity and his mother's
devoutness and purity played pivotal roles in molding his values. Gandhi’s
reverence for his parents, especially the emotional bond with his father,
reveals a sensitive and deeply affectionate side to his character. Their
teachings and values laid the foundation for his lifelong quest for truth
and righteousness.
- Religious
Underpinnings:
Gandhi's upbringing was steeped in religious traditions, primarily
Vaishnavism and Jainism. Tales from Hindu epics and the story of King
Harishchandra's unwavering commitment to truth played a pivotal role in
igniting his fascination for truth. Jainism, with its emphasis on
non-violence, self-discipline, and truth, further reinforced his
philosophical beliefs. This religious ambiance, characterized by tolerance
and respect for multiple faiths, shaped his pluralistic worldview.
- Shyness
as a Shield: A
significant revelation in Gandhi's narrative is his inherent shyness.
While many might perceive this as a weakness, Gandhi began to interpret it
as a form of self-restraint. His reluctance to participate in debates or
plays, his fear of public speaking, and his challenges with English
showcased a vulnerability. Yet, this very shyness became his strength.
Instead of seeking external validation, Gandhi's shyness directed his
energies inwards, fostering introspection and self-awareness.
- Adolescent
Struggles and Temptations:
Gandhi's character wasn't devoid of flaws. His experiments with smoking,
his secret forays into meat-eating, and his passionate struggles in his
early marital life display a typical adolescent grappling with curiosities
and peer influences. However, what sets Gandhi apart is his acute
self-awareness. The guilt he feels, the oaths he takes in response to
these transgressions, and the moral reflections he engages in showcase a
young man in earnest pursuit of self-improvement.
- Empathy
and Sensitivity: The
young Gandhi was deeply empathetic. The pain he felt upon realizing the
emotional distress his secret meat-eating caused his devout mother or the
profound guilt associated with his father's death demonstrate his innate
sensitivity. These episodes were not merely incidents in his life; they
were transformative experiences that deepened his understanding of human
emotions and relationships.
- Commitment
to Personal Growth:
One of the defining characteristics of Gandhi, evident in these early
chapters, is his commitment to personal growth. Whether grappling with
moral dilemmas, reflecting on his shyness, or navigating the complexities
of adolescence, Gandhi consistently displays an eagerness to learn and
evolve. Instead of wallowing in his shortcomings, he chooses to confront
them, making earnest efforts to better himself.
- Discipline
and Resolve: Despite
his vulnerabilities, Gandhi's discipline and resolve stand out. His
decision to abstain from meat, his dedication to honoring the promise made
to his father about avoiding wine and women, and his determination to
adhere to the path of truth, even in the face of ridicule or personal
loss, underline his strong-willed character.
QUESTIONS
Knowledge (Remembering):
1.
Describe the familial
and religious background of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi as presented in the
first three chapters.
Comprehension (Understanding):
2.
Explain the
significance of the story of King Harishchandra in shaping Gandhi's early
understanding of truth.
3.
Elaborate on the
influences that shaped Gandhi's perspective on vegetarianism. How did his
experiments with diet in his youth reflect his broader values?
Application (Applying):
4.
Discuss how Gandhi's
experiences in school and the debating society influenced his later public
life. Provide examples from the text to support your arguments.
Analysis (Analyzing):
5.
Analyze the role of
Jainism and Vaishnavism in Gandhi's formative years. How did these religious
influences contribute to his philosophy of non-violence and truth?
6.
Delve into the
dynamics of Gandhi's relationship with his parents. How did their virtues and
values shape his character and choices?
Synthesis (Creating):
7.
Based on Gandhi's
early encounters with moral dilemmas (like stealing and lying), how do you
think these experiences contributed to the development of his ethical
framework? Construct an argument drawing from specific instances in the text.
8.
Considering Gandhi's
adolescent challenges and temptations, how do you think these experiences
prepared him for the larger moral and political challenges he faced in
adulthood? Craft an argument using specific events from the autobiography.
Evaluation (Evaluating):
9.
Evaluate the impact of
Gandhi's inherent shyness on his personal and public life. Do you believe it
was more of an asset or a limitation? Justify your response using evidence from
the chapters.
10. Reflect on Gandhi's early commitment to truth and his reactions to his own moral transgressions. Do you believe his responses were proportionate to his actions? Justify your stance by referring to specific incidents from the text.
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