Meaning of 11 Vows – Mahatma Gandhi

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Senior Gandhian Scholar, Professor, Editor and Linguist

Gandhi International Study and Research Institute, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

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Meaning of 11 Vows – Mahatma Gandhi

 

 

Truth

As brevity is the armour of truth, it is contained in it. ‘Truth alone will triumph and not untruth.’

 

Non-Violence

Non-violence is the limit set by all religions. ‘Sin cannot be answered by sin.’

 

Brahmacharya

This vow implies complete control of all senses. ‘Those wishing to attain God practise brahmacharya.’

 

Asteya

‘One who enjoys the gifts of God without offering them to Him is verily a thief.’

 

Aparigraha

‘Enjoy it after giving up its possession.’

 

Fearlessness

Fear and morality are mutually contradictory concepts. Fearlessness is the foundation of daivi sampad. ‘He alone becomes fearless who dispels fear in others.’

 

Asvad

To eat food with a view to gratifying the palate is violence. ‘Purity of diet leads to purity of heart; this in its turn strengthens atman’s wakening which in its turn destroys all bonds.’

 

Swadeshi

Just as non-violence sets the limit for dharma, so swadeshi sets the limit for conduct. Even death is to be preferred in the discharge of one’s own dharma.

 

Labour

‘When one exerts one’s body without any desire one commits no sin.’

 

Abolition of Untouchability

Salutation to all high and low.

 

Tolerance

Forbearance means tolerance towards all religions.

 

Reference:

Navajivan, 17-6-1928