Blog 9

How has the religious history of India influenced India's tradition of non-violence?

The religious history of India influenced India's tradition of non-violence because violence was considered wrong in society. India's main religion, Hinduism, is a peaceful religion. Hinduism includes the values of peace, kindness, etc. Gandhi said, "There are many causes that I am prepared to die for, but no causes that I am prepared to kill for." He also took his non-violent values and tried to intervene them with the government. In 1924, Gandhi fasted for three weeks in an effort to show people that violence was bad. He encouraged the untouchables to work and learn, etc. without harming anyone. Lastly, Gandhi still restrained himself when people were violent towards him. For example, in 1987, when he was lynched by a white mob, he refused to prosecute them. Gandhi was one of India's greatest leaders and promoted the values of Hinduism. Gandhi became a symbol for nonviolence throughout the world. It was Hinduism that gave Gandhi these ideas, and so it can be said that Hinduism is mostly responsible for India's tradition of nonviolence.