# Comparative Study of Religions explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

> Chapter companion for The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

## What happens

Gandhi describes how his desire for self-realization led him to the religion of service, and how his interactions with Christian friends in South Africa deepened his comparative study of religions. He recounts friendships with Mr. and Mrs. Walton, his reading of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, and Zoroastrian texts, and his growing regard for Hinduism without prejudice against other faiths. He also narrates a conflict with a Christian hostess over comparing Jesus and Buddha, which led to the end of his visits.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Interfaith Dialogue

Gandhi engages in comparative study of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Zoroastrianism, maintaining tolerance and charity despite differences.

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

Gandhi practices Yogic exercises and applies religious teachings to his life, reflecting his commitment to self-discipline.

### Vegetarianism and Dietary Discipline

Gandhi's vegetarianism influences a child to prefer fruit over meat, leading to a conflict with the child's mother.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Narrator and central figure; engaged in comparative religious study and self-introspection.

### Raychandbhai

Guided Gandhi in his religious studies through correspondence.

### Mr. Coates

Mentioned as part of Gandhi's earlier Christian contacts in Pretoria.

### Mr. A. W. Baker

Mentioned as part of Gandhi's earlier Christian contacts in Pretoria.

## Key lines

> If I found myself entirely absorbed in the service of the community, the reason behind it was my desire for self-realization. I had made the religion of service my own, as I felt that God could be realized only through service.

Gandhi explains that his community service was driven by a quest for self-realization, believing that serving others is the path to knowing God.

_Highlights Gandhi's integration of service and spirituality._

> I read with interest Max Muller’s book, India—What Can It Teach Us? and the translation of the Upanishads published by the Theosophical Society. All this enhanced my regard for Hinduism, and its beauties began to grow upon me.

Reading works by Max Müller and the Theosophical Society deepened Gandhi's appreciation for Hinduism.

_Shows the influence of Western scholarship on Gandhi's religious views._

> The study stimulated my self-introspection and fostered in me the habit of putting into practice whatever appealed to me in my studies.

Gandhi's religious studies prompted him to reflect on himself and apply what he learned to his daily life.

_Illustrates Gandhi's practical approach to spirituality._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii-comparative-study-of-religions
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters