# To Meet Gokhale 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 departure from South Africa after the satyagraha struggle, traveling third class to London with Kasturbai and Kallenbach. He describes the comfortable voyage, a symbolic act of throwing away Kallenbach's binoculars to embrace simplicity, his physical weakness after a fast, and the outbreak of World War I as they arrived in England.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

Gandhi and Kallenbach throw away expensive binoculars to align with their ideal of simplicity and truth.

### Truth and Self-Experimentation

Gandhi reflects on the path to Truth requiring freedom from passions like anger and selfishness.

### Vegetarianism and Dietary Discipline

Gandhi and his companions are fruitarians; the steward supplies them with fruits and nuts during the voyage.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Narrator and central figure; travels third class, discusses simplicity, and struggles with health after a fast.

### Kasturbai Gandhi

Travels with Gandhi to London via England.

### Hermann Kallenbach

Travels with Gandhi; participates in a symbolic act of throwing away his binoculars to embrace simplicity.

### Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Instructs Gandhi to return home via London.

### Dr. Jivraj Mehta

Advises Gandhi on health after his fast, warning him to rest to avoid losing use of his legs.

## Key lines

> Rather than allow these to be a bone of contention between us, why not throw them into the sea, and be done with them?

Gandhi suggests throwing the binoculars overboard to end the disagreement about owning them.

_Illustrates the commitment to simplicity and non-attachment._

> A successful search for Truth means complete deliverance from the dual throng such as of love and hate, happiness and misery.

Finding Truth requires being free from opposing emotions like love and hate, joy and sorrow.

_Highlights Gandhi's philosophical view on the pursuit of truth._

> If you do not take complete rest for a few days, there is a fear of your legs going out of use.

Dr. Mehta warns Gandhi that without rest, he might lose the ability to walk.

_Shows the physical toll of Gandhi's fasting and the need for careful recovery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxxvii-to-meet-gokhale
- 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