Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist: "In class, your small groups went over movie questions about the content in Gandhi. You should know who each of the main characters are and t..."
Gandhi's idea of Hinduism was that of compassion and equity for all human beings, regardless of race, color or creed as well as that of peace at all costs. This is exemplified throughout the movie (particularly the March to the Sea Salt Mine protest) where his followers willingly walked up to be severely beaten without raising a finger in response. Gandhi's ideas of peace showed his own interpretation of Hinduism, which by nature is peaceful. As well as this Gandhi's compassion toward all regardless of what religion they were or what ethnicity can be shown when he is trying to intervene amongst the rioters. There he responds with, "I am a Hindu and a Christian and a Muslim" because Hinduism is by nature pantheistic and is the most accepting of all religions, Gandhi shows tolerance and compassion to all.
"A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the greater good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act."
When the Indians finally gained their independence and began their descent toward civil violence, Gandhi felt powerless to stop the savage nature of intolerance. As he watched the cities he fought so hard to free become overwhelmed by a pulsating tide of violence Gandhi began to fast. He offered himself as a sacrifice to stop the violence that was sweeping across the nation because to him, all religions were the same and all people were the same. The murder of one person is still murder whether he was a Hindu or a Muslim, so he attempted to pacify the violence by fasting.
