The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
Acquaintance with Religions explained
Gandhi describes his deepening engagement with religious texts during his second year in England, including reading the Bhagavad Gita with Theosophist friends, studying The Light of Asia, and exploring the New Testament's Sermon on the Moun
What happens
Gandhi describes his deepening engagement with religious texts during his second year in England, including reading the Bhagavad Gita with Theosophist friends, studying The Light of Asia, and exploring the New Testament's Sermon on the Mount. He also encounters atheism through Bradlaugh's funeral and a debate, and begins to unify teachings from various traditions around renunciation.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Interfaith Dialogue
Gandhi reads and compares the Bhagavad Gita, The Light of Asia, and the Sermon on the Mount, seeking to unify their teachings on renunciation.
Education and Self-Improvement
Gandhi's self-directed study of religious texts and his resolve to learn more about principal religions reflects his commitment to self-improvement.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Explores religious texts including the Gita, The Light of Asia, and the Bible; attends Bradlaugh's funeral; declines joining the Theosophical Society.
- Mrs. Besant
Mentioned as a theist convert from atheism; Gandhi reads her book 'How I Became a Theosophist' and follows her conversion controversy.
- Mr. Coates
A Christian vegetarian from Manchester who recommends Gandhi read the Bible and provides him a copy.
Key passages
“My young mind tried to unify the teachings of the Gita, The Light of Asia and the Sermon on the Mount. That renunciation was the highest form of religion appealed to me greatly.”
Gandhi attempted to synthesize the core messages of these three texts, concluding that renunciation is the highest religious ideal.
Shows Gandhi's early syncretic approach to religion.
“The book struck me as one of priceless worth. The impression has ever since been growing on me with the result that I regard it today as the book par excellence for the knowledge of Truth.”
The Bhagavad Gita made a profound and lasting impact on Gandhi, becoming his foremost guide to Truth.
Highlights the Gita's central role in Gandhi's spiritual life.