The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
XLI: Gokhale’s Charity explained
Gandhi recounts his pleurisy attack in London and his dietetic experiments, which led to a conflict with Gokhale and Dr.
What happens
Gandhi recounts his pleurisy attack in London and his dietetic experiments, which led to a conflict with Gokhale and Dr. Jivraj Mehta over his refusal to consume milk. Despite pressure, Gandhi adheres to his fruitarian diet based on religious convictions, and Gokhale ultimately respects his decision.
Themes in this chapter
Vegetarianism and Dietary Discipline
Gandhi's fruitarian diet and refusal to consume milk, even under medical advice, highlight his commitment to dietary discipline rooted in religious and ethical convictions.
Self-Discipline and Simplicity
Gandhi's adherence to his dietary experiment despite pressure from Gokhale and his doctor demonstrates his unwavering self-discipline.
Religion and Interfaith Dialogue
Gandhi's decision to abstain from milk is driven by religious considerations, including his aversion to the cruel treatment of cows.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Suffering from pleurisy, he defends his fruitarian diet and refuses to take milk despite pressure from Gokhale and Dr. Jivraj Mehta.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
In London, he discusses war geography with Kallenbach and Gandhi, and later pressures Gandhi to accept medical advice but ultimately respects his decision.
- Hermann Kallenbach
Accompanies Gandhi to meet Gokhale, shows war geography on a map, and supports Gandhi's dietary decision.
- Dr. Jivraj Mehta
Treats Gandhi for pleurisy, urges him to resume milk and cereals, and reluctantly prescribes mung soup within Gandhi's self-imposed limits.
Key passages
“I will not take milk, milk-products or meat. If not to take these things should mean my death, I feel I had better face it.”
Gandhi firmly declares that he would rather die than consume milk, milk products, or meat, as a matter of principle.
This statement underscores Gandhi's unwavering commitment to his dietary experiment, even at the risk of his health.
“I do not approve of your decision. I do not see any religion in it. But I won’t press you any more.”
Gokhale expresses his disapproval of Gandhi's dietary choice, finding no religious basis for it, but agrees to stop urging him.
Gokhale's reluctant acceptance shows his respect for Gandhi's autonomy despite their disagreement.