Gandhi, Ahimsa, and Cows

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If one were to read my blog posts over the semesters, one could come to a reasonable conclusion: I am a heartless bastard. But that doesn't mean I cannot recognize the greatness and strength of others. To me, one of the most inspirational people in history is Mohandas Gandhi. His remarkable story and commitment to nonviolence was unparalleled in his time and he continues to influence people fighting oppression and injustices around the world.

At the center of Gandhi's political resolve and nonviolent mantra was his religion. Gandhi subscribed to the Jainist vow of Ahisma, which is "the development of a mental attitude in which hatred is replaced by love" (Course Anthology 236). He developed this attitude alright, and in his remarkable campaign he showed the world the fruitlessness of British occupation and repression and the absurdity of violence. Britain, on moral and political grounds, was forced to give up India.

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I have always thought of Gandhi as a sort of modern day messiah of peace. I often feel that few human beings on Earth could possibly sustain the attitude that Gandhi did throughout his life. In my younger days, I thought Gandhi was an exception, a remarkable man whose answer to adversity wholly went against basic human intuitions. I know this to not be entirely true. Reading about Ahimsa shows that Gandhi indeed drew on many forms of living already developed. Similarly to Jesus Christ's message of compassion, Ahisma urges to "never retaliate nor wish to offend anybody even under extreme provocation" (Course Anthology 236).

Eastern religions tend to have a lot of emphasis on peace, respect, and love. This lent itself to ideas about respecting nature and ecology, some with pretty extreme views, such Mahavira who proclaimed "consumption or use of vegetation in such a way may lead to [a person's] misfortune" (Course Anthology 247). But for the most part these ancient views on ecology and the other lifeforms on earth are remarkably progressive considering when they were written.

Respect and appreciation for all life is even represented through spiritual means, such as the Hindu belief that "Cows should never be killed in any type of sacrifice or slaughtered in any way for food as the killing of cows constitutes the most heinous of all sins in existence" (Course Anthology 242). By introducing moralistic values to our relationships with animals, Eastern religions can give the average adherent a much great connection with nature and animals.

This outlook that many Eastern religions have, in terms of non-violence and appreciation of nature, is one that I truly envy. Granted, judging by the mass ecological degradation and historical violent wars in the area, clearly not all adherents of these religions live by these vows, much like not all Christians are exactly willing to give away their possessions or turn the other cheek. But it is truly fascinating to see how these values can coalesce societies and in individuals such as Gandhi. Perhaps one day, the West will learn the importance of these values and some much need change is made.