# Near Death's Door 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 a severe illness brought on by dietary indiscretion during his recruiting campaign. He describes his refusal of medical treatment, his reliance on hydropathy and the 'ice treatment' from a non-degree doctor, and his steadfast adherence to his dietary principles despite advice to consume meat broth or eggs. His recovery is marked by the news of Germany's defeat and the end of recruiting, which brings him relief.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

Gandhi's strict adherence to his dietary principles (no milk, no meat, no eggs) even when advised by doctors, and his refusal of medical treatment as a form of self-discipline.

### Vegetarianism and Dietary Discipline

Gandhi's vow against milk and meat, his experimentation with groundnut butter and lemons, and his rejection of meat broth and eggs despite medical advice.

### Service and Community Leadership

Gandhi's relief at the end of recruiting, reflecting his commitment to serving the community even at the cost of his health.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Narrator and central figure, suffering from severe dysentery and fever, refusing medical aid and meat-based remedies, and later undergoing ice treatment.

### Kasturbai Gandhi

Gandhi's wife who prepared a meal that triggered his acute dysentery.

### Vallabhbhai Patel

Brings news of Germany's defeat and the end of recruiting, and accompanies Gandhi during his illness.

### Sheth Ambalal

Provides loving care and shelter at his bungalow in Ahmedabad during Gandhi's illness.

### Anasuyabehn

Visits Gandhi when he feels near death at the Ashram.

### Dr. Talvalkar

Introduces the 'Ice Doctor' (Sjt. Kelkar) who applies ice treatment to Gandhi.

## Key lines

> I had now been trying hydropathy which gave some relief, but it was a hard job to build up the body.

Gandhi attempted hydropathy for relief but found it difficult to regain his strength.

_Reflects his experimental approach to health and recovery._

> For me the question of diet was not one to be determined on the authority of the Shastras. It was one interwoven with my course of life which is guided by principles no longer depending upon outside authority.

Gandhi's dietary choices were based on his personal principles, not religious texts or external authority.

_Highlights his commitment to self-experimentation and moral consistency._

> I had no desire to live at the cost of them. How could I relinquish a principle in respect of myself, when I had enforced it relentlessly in respect of my wife, children and friends?

Gandhi refused to abandon his principles even to save his life, as he had enforced them on his family.

_Demonstrates his unwavering integrity and the centrality of his vows._

> I began to devote all my waking hours to listening to the Gita being read to me by the inmates of the Ashram.

During his illness, Gandhi spent his time listening to readings of the Bhagavad Gita.

_Shows his spiritual focus and reliance on scripture in times of crisis._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-xxviii-near-death-s-door
- 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