Gandhi: Hindu and Activist
Gandhi once said, “’Love thy neighbor as thyself’ is not something we Hindus prescribe to, but it is something we could learn from.” Gandhi was a Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Jew. He believed he was a part of every religion, thus feeling he should ‘love thy neighbor as thyself’. Even though the Muslims and Hindus did not get along and caused chaos Gandhi still felt they should treat one another kindly and considerately. To end the incessant rioting between the Muslims and Hindus, Gandhi fasted for a very, very long time. As he grew weaker and weaker, the fighting yielded and Hindu rioters visited Gandhi leaving their swords, expressing that the fighting was coming to an end. A Hindu warrior came to Gandhi’s bed and confessed he had killed a little Muslim boy, because the Muslims had killed his own son. He asked Gandhi what he could do to get out of going to hell. Gandhi says that he should find a Muslim orphan, about the same age as his own son and raise him as a true Muslim. This is an example of loving thy neighbor as thyself, this is also a good example of Hindus not following this belief. But, with the help of Gandhi, is something they strive for.
