Gandhi's Ascetic Activism: Renunciation and Social Action

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Gandhi’s Ascetic Activism Gandhi’s Ascetic Activism Renunciation and Social Action Veena R. Howard Cover image courtesy of Suzanne Geraci Published by State University of New York Press, Albany© 2013 State University of New York All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. No part of this book may be stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of the publisher. For information, contact State University of New York Press, Albany, NY www.sunypress.edu Production by Ryan Morris Marketing by Michael Campochiaro Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Howard, Veena R. Gandhi’s ascetic activism : renunciation and social action / Veena R. Howard. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references (p. ). ISBN 978-1-4384-4557-1 (hardcover : alk. paper) 1. Gandhi, Mahatma, 1869–1948—Philosophy. 2. Gandhi, Mahatma, 1869–1948—Religion. 3. Asceticism—Hinduism. 4. Celibacy—Religious aspects—Hinduism. 5. Passive resistance. 6. Nonviolence. I. Title. DS481.G3H59 2013 294.5’447—dc23 2012011098 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 When established in self-restraint [brahmacarya], heroic energy is obtained. —The Yoga Sūtra For me perfect brahmacharya is the attainment of sexlessness, not impotence . . . in which the sexual energy is completely sublimated into spiritual energy. If I had attained that nirvikara (passionless) state, I should have but to think a thing and it would happen. I would not have to argue. —M. K. Gandhi Persons in power should be very careful how they deal with a man who cares nothing for sensual pleasure, nothing for riches, nothing for comfort or praise or promotion, but is simply determined to do what he believes to be right. He is a dangerous and uncomfortable enemy—because his body, which you can always conquer, gives you so little purchase upon his soul. —Professor Gilbert Murray, who met Gandhi in 1914 ...