# Faith on Its Trial explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

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

## What happens

Gandhi faces a profound test of his religious convictions when his son Manilal falls severely ill with typhoid and pneumonia. Despite medical advice to give eggs and chicken broth, Gandhi refuses on principle, opting instead for hydropathic treatments and a strict vegetarian diet. Through faith, prayer, and careful nursing, Manilal recovers after forty days, reinforcing Gandhi's belief in divine grace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Vegetarianism and Dietary Discipline

Gandhi's refusal to give his son eggs or chicken broth, even under life-threatening circumstances, underscores his unwavering commitment to vegetarianism as a religious principle.

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

Gandhi's reliance on hydropathic remedies and fasting, rather than conventional medicine, demonstrates his dedication to self-discipline and simple living.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Gandhi is the narrator and central figure, grappling with the moral dilemma of adhering to his vegetarian principles while his son is critically ill.

### Manilal Gandhi

Gandhi's second son, aged ten, suffers from a severe attack of typhoid combined with pneumonia and delirium.

### Kasturbai Gandhi

Kasturbai is mentioned as Manilal's mother, who is left in charge of the boy while Gandhi goes for a walk.

## Key lines

> To my mind it is only on such occasions, that a man's faith is truly tested. Rightly or wrongly it is part of my religious conviction that man may not eat meat, eggs, and the like. There should be a limit even to the means of keeping ourselves alive.

Gandhi believes that true faith is tested in moments of crisis, and he holds that religious conviction forbids the consumption of meat and eggs, even to preserve life.

_This passage encapsulates the central moral conflict of the chapter._

> My honour is in Thy keeping, oh Lord, in this hour of trial.

Gandhi prays to God to preserve his honor during this difficult test of his principles.

_This reflects Gandhi's deep reliance on faith and prayer during personal crises._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xxii-faith-on-its-trial
- 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