# A Month with Gokhale—II explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

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

## What happens

Gandhi recounts his interactions with Christian Indians in Calcutta, including a visit to Babu Kalicharan Banerji, and his visit to the Kali temple where he witnesses animal sacrifice, which deeply disturbs him and reinforces his commitment to nonviolence and self-purification.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nonviolence and Satyagraha

Gandhi's visceral reaction to animal sacrifice at the Kali temple underscores his deepening commitment to nonviolence and protection of all creatures.

### Religion and Interfaith Dialogue

Gandhi's meeting with Kalicharan Banerji explores Christian doctrines versus Hindu bhakti-marga, highlighting his search for spiritual truth across faiths.

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

Gandhi's preference for walking and his observation of Kalicharan Banerji's simple dress reflect his growing embrace of simplicity.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Narrates his experiences in Calcutta, including meeting Christian Indians and visiting the Kali temple.

### Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gandhi stays at Gokhale's home and discusses meeting Kalicharan Banerji.

### Mr. Coates

Referenced as a Christian friend from South Africa who influenced Gandhi's interest in meeting Christian Indians.

## Key lines

> I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man.

Gandhi believes that the most vulnerable beings deserve the greatest protection from human cruelty.

_Reflects his ethical stance on animal welfare and nonviolence._

> I must go through more self-purification and sacrifice, before I can hope to save these lambs from this unholy sacrifice.

Gandhi acknowledges that he needs further personal purification and sacrifice to effectively advocate against animal sacrifice.

_Highlights his commitment to self-improvement as a prerequisite for social reform._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xviii-a-month-with-gokhale-ii
- 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