Gandhiji's life was deeply influenced by Indian religion, which strongly focused on a genuine pursuit of knowledge of God, a deep respect for life, the ideal of non-attachment, and the willingness to make sacrifices to do so. "I live and move and have my being in the pursuit of this goal" is how he described his lifelong pursuit of truth. A life devoid of roots and profundity in its history is shallow. Some people think that once we see what's fighting, we'll do it. That is untrue. It doesn't follow that we will make the right decision and act morally even when we know what is right. Strong impulses take control of us, act improperly, and betray our inner light. "The lower part of us is still animal in our current state; the animal in us can only be slain by love conquering our lower instincts," according to Hindu doctrine. The journey to fulfillment is one that the human being takes step by painful step through a process of trial and error, self-search, and strict discipline.

Gandhiji followed a morally and rationally based religion, and he refused to accept any conviction that did not make sense to him or any commandment that did not feel right. We shall love all people without regard to their race, class, nationality, or religion if we believe in God with all of our hearts and minds. We'll endeavor to bring all people together. "My unwavering love for humanity is the source of all my actions." "I have never observed any discrimination between family members and outsiders, natives and foreigners, Caucasian and Asian, Hindus and Indians of other religions, including Muslims, Parsees, Christians, or Jews." I suppose I could say that my heart hasn't been able to distinguish between them. "After a protracted period of prayerful discipline, I have not hated anyone for more than forty years."  

This point of view inevitably leads one to conclude that the best way to resolve any domestic or global issue is via non-violence. Gandhiji asserted that he was a pragmatic idealist rather than a visionary. It is intended that non-violence is not only for saints and sages, but also for common people. Since violence is the rule of the brute, non-violence is the law of our species. The brute's spirit is dormant, and the only law he understands is the law of physical force. Human dignity necessitates deference to a higher law—to the power of the spirit. Gandhiji was the first person in human history to apply the idea of non-violence on a social and political level in addition to an individual one. He went into politics to prove the viability of non-violence through experimentation.

An Encyclopaedia of Gandhiji's Ideas:

• God:

Gandhiji's experiences have taught us that without an unwavering faith in a Living Law that governs the motion of the entire universe, it is impossible to live life to the fullest. Without that faith, a man is doomed to perish, just like a drop thrown out of the ocean. The ocean's majesty is shared by every drop, which also provides us with life's ozone.

• Discipline for the realization of Truth:

The path to realizing the truth requires discipline because it is both straight and narrow. That of ahimsa is also the same. It's similar to trying to balance on a sword's edge. An acrobat can walk on a rope by focusing. However, walking the path of Truth and ahimsa demands far more focus. Even the smallest distraction sends someone falling to the ground. True bhakti is the pursuit of Truth (devotion). There is no room for cowardice or defeat on this path because it leads to God. It is the talisman that transforms death into an everlasting doorway leading to life.

• Fundamental principles and beliefs:

According to Gandhiji, the law of love is unconscious but definitely at work, and the collective energy of humanity is meant to uplift rather than depress us. Human society is constantly expanding and spiritually developing.

• Theory and Practice of Satyagraha:

The Indian community's actions over the previous eight years do not conform to the definition of passive resistance. Truth-Force is the vernacular equivalent when translated into English. It is indeed soul-force, or love-force, as Tolstoy described it. When used to the fullest extent possible, this force operates without the aid of money or other resources; it is undoubtedly free from violence or physical force, even in the most basic sense. As violence is, in fact, the opposite of this immense spiritual force, which can only be developed or employed by those who willfully abstain from violence. Both individuals and communities can make use of this force. It can be applied to both domestic and political matters. Its ability to be applied to any situation is evidence of its durability and invincibility. Both men and women, as well as kids, can use it. It is untrue to state that weak people should only use force if they are unable to respond to violence with violence. This superstition results from the English expression's shortcomings. Those who think of themselves as wealthy are incapable of using this force.

The life of Satyagrahi:

• A Life of Truth:

A man is nothing more than the product of his thoughts; he thinks himself into being. Right now, every one of you should consider yourself to be a free man or woman and even act as though this Imperialism no longer controls you. This is not fantasy; you have to nurture the spirit of freedom before you can truly experience it. The moment a slave thinks he is free, his chains are broken.

• Regarding Faith and Activity:

Throughout our lives, we should be mentally and physically active, but our activity should be sattvika, or tending to Truth. A person whose entire life has been devoted to helping others can never remain motionless. But the ability to distinguish between right and wrong behavior is necessary. A service-focused singularity naturally leads to discrimination of this kind.

• Thoroughness:

You will be judged on the little things, so no matter how small the task at hand appears, give it your best effort and the same amount of thought and care that you would give the task at hand. In every branch of reform, mastery over one's subject via diligent study is crucial. Ignorance is the root cause of all reform movements' failures, partial or total, that have been acknowledged for their merits. Not every project that goes by the name of reform should be referred to as such.

• Order and Punctuality:

He liked to tell his friends that the English are far ahead of us when it comes to detachment capacity. No matter how critical national affairs are, they will still have mealtimes and free time. They continue to act unaffected by threats or impending disaster; this is comparable to adhering to the Gita's precepts. In India, there are few political workers who live up to English standards.

• Fearlessness:

It's common to mistake spiritual attainment for knowledge. Scripture memorization and debate participation are not signs of spirituality. It comes down to heart culture and unfathomable strength. Fearlessness is the first requirement for spirituality. No one ever has moral cowardice.

• Humility:

Being a non-cooperative person is meaningless if one lacks humility. Self-satisfaction is a sign that a man has reached his limit and no longer deserves freedom. A person quickly realizes the insignificance of a small sacrifice made out of a humble and devout spirit. When we set out on a path of sacrifice, we realize how selfish we really are, and we are forced to keep giving until we have entirely given up on ourselves.

Eleven vows form the cornerstone of Ashram life:

• Truth (Satya)

• Non Possession

• Non-Stealing

• Bread-Labour

• Non-Violence (Ahimsa)

• Chastity (Brahmacharya)

• Equality of Religions

• Swadeshi (use of home-produced goods)

• Removal of untouchability

Follow the above observances with Humility & Resolve.

An Overview of Gandhian Philosophy:

I am aware of the route. It is narrow and straight. It resembles a sword's edge. I am happy to tread on it. When I fall, I cry. "He who strives never perishes," according to God's word. I implicitly trust that assurance. Even though I fail a thousand times because of my weakness, I refuse to give up hope and will instead hold onto the hope that one day, when the flesh is perfectly subjugated, I will see the Light. I can only become free via detached, thoughtful action, not by mechanically refusing to do anything. This conflict ultimately results in the continual crucifixion of the body in order to fully liberate the spirit.

• Look for the Truth:

I am only a Truth-seeker. I've discovered how to get there. I assert that I'm searching for it nonstop. However, I acknowledge that I haven't found it yet. • Put your trust in God: "Amid the surrounding gloom, I feel my way to light in the world." I make mistakes and underestimate a lot. I have complete faith in God. Furthermore, I only trust men because I trust God. I ought to hate my species like Timon did if I had no God to rely on.

• No Secrecy:

I don't use any hidden techniques. Only truthful diplomacy is known to me. My only weapon is non-violence. I might be unintentionally misled for a while, but not forever.

• Advice:

I don't claim to have any perfect advice or sources of inspiration. According to my observations, a person's claim to be infallible would be implausible given that inspiration can only come to someone who is free from the action of opposites. It would also be challenging to determine whether a person's claim to be free from pairs of opposites is legitimate at any particular time.

• Self-sacrifice:

I am urging my Indian compatriots to adhere only to the gospel of self-sacrifice, which comes before every conflict. You will still need to endure the crucible of discipline and sacrifice, regardless of whether you follow the path of violence or non-violence.

• No Defeatism:

I am not deterred by defeat. The wisdom of man is inferior to the truth. I've always been optimistic. Even during my seemingly darkest moments, hope has never wavered in me. I can't put an end to hope on my own. I have to admit that I am unable to provide an ocular proof to support the hope. However, I have not given up.

• Trust:

It's true that I've experienced disappointment a lot. I've been duped by many, and I've been let down by many. However, I do not regret being associated with them. Because I am capable of both cooperating and non-cooperating. When you don't have any solid evidence to the contrary, taking people at their word is the most sensible and respectable course of action in the world.

• My Leadership:

It is said of me that no one else has the same understanding of human nature. I think I'm right, for sure, but I wouldn't be a good leader if I didn't think my ways and my righteousness are sound.

• My Work:

I am happy with how I am handling the task at hand. I'm not concerned with the how and why of things. We can see with reason that we shouldn't experiment with things we don't understand. If I am successful in persuading the human race that every man and woman, despite physical weakness, is the defender of their own dignity and freedom, then my work shall be considered accomplished. Even though everyone may be against the individual resister, this defense is effective.