Religion and Theology

Gandhi is an icon in world history because no one has lived with such compassion amidst a long history of foreign invasion like he had. He lived his teachings and his beliefs. That by itself is a feat that leaders of the modern day world are challenged by.  What is it about his particularly inclusive approach to world religion that is positive To what extent is this approach derived from Hinduism and its particular religion

Gandhi embraces non-violence. He taught and showed the world the power of non-violence. Non-violence is one of his approaches to world religion. Gandhi at length explained the unity of Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism and other religions under the practice of non-violence and prayer. While the rest of the world continues to dissociate and disunite communities in terms of religion, Gandhi advocated the unity of religions.

As Gandhi studied and followed Buddhas teaching like he was himself Buddhas disciple, Gandhi always revered Buddhas teaching in connection with Hinduism. According to Gandhi, Buddhism and Hinduism are concepts that are indissoluble. The positivist approach is both found in Hinduism and Buddhism as well as in other world religions. Buddhism can be considered as a movement of reforming Hinduism so that it can be reach out to the modernity of life without sacrificing the values it taught.

Gandhis positive approach to world religion can be derived from Hinduism teachings. Sacrifice is an integral part of Hindu teachings. Sacrifice is taken from the context of acquiring and using less. This is positive to note that there is less waste, less cost on the living environment. Gandhi showed the sacrifice is a happy emptying of oneself rather than a painful process. In a way, sacrifice is gaining more freedom from material cages that can put a person in a negative light. Gandhi writes about eating more food that did not need killing nor cooking , As the ideals of sacrifice and simplicity were becoming more and more realized, and the religious consciousness was becoming more and more quickened in my daily life, the passion for vegetarianism as a mission went on increasing. (Gandhi MK. 1929)

Prayer is another practice found in world religions. Though there are different forms of prayer, prayers positive power over people in chaos is derived from Hinduism.  In old Hindu teachings, prayers are offered to the gods to appease them. Prayer supports silence and non-violence. In the middle of noise, chaos and confusion, a person who positions himself in prayer is instantly brought to internal silence. Awareness comes in which is a very positive state of being because people are more concerned on others than on selfish securities.

The act of self-purity exemplifies by Gandhi. Self-purity is a way to good Karma. Karma is a teaching in Hinduism. Self-purity is also found in other world religions. Self-purity is a positive trait because as one gets rid of impure actions, thoughts and other negativities, one becomes happier. If thoughts become words and actions, then positive thoughts become positive actions. The rule of Karma is simply illustrated by what you reap, you sow. Gandhi consciously embarked on a self-purity path that he may embody the teachings of Buddha.

His autobiography describes his way to unify the world religions in a positive light. Though his life was cut short by the assassination, it was long enough to be a guide for other students who wants to follow the path towards the teachings of Hinduism. Hinduism teaches the beliefs in piety, selfless service, and non-violence. If other world leaders could not see these in world religions, it is Gandhi that had shown the path towards unifying world religions into the positive attitude of compassion.