Satyagraha

Definition

Satyagraha is a philosophy and practice of nonviolent resistance developed by Mahatma Gandhi, which emphasizes the power of truth and the moral force behind nonviolent action. It advocates for civil disobedience as a means to confront injustice while maintaining respect for opponents, highlighting that real change comes from moral strength rather than physical violence. This approach significantly influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy of nonviolence during the Civil Rights Movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Satyagraha is rooted in the belief that individuals can resist oppression without resorting to violence, demonstrating courage and moral integrity.
2. Gandhi first employed satyagraha during the struggle for Indian independence from British rule, proving its effectiveness in mobilizing mass support.
3. Martin Luther King Jr. adapted the principles of satyagraha in the United States, using them during key events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington.
4. The term 'satyagraha' combines two Sanskrit words: 'satya,' meaning truth, and 'agraha,' meaning insistence or holding firmly to something.
5. King viewed satyagraha as not just a strategy for social change but as a way of life, emphasizing love and understanding over hate and division.

Review Questions

• How did satyagraha influence Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach to civil rights activism?
  • Satyagraha significantly influenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy by providing a framework for nonviolent resistance against racial injustice. King's adoption of this approach emphasized the importance of moral integrity and love over violence. He applied these principles during pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement, believing that confronting oppression through peaceful means would ultimately lead to social justice.
• Compare and contrast the principles of satyagraha with other forms of protest, such as violent resistance or armed struggle.
  • Satyagraha fundamentally differs from violent resistance or armed struggle in its commitment to nonviolence and moral persuasion. While violent methods often seek immediate results through force, satyagraha focuses on fostering understanding and reconciliation. This philosophy posits that true change comes from addressing underlying injustices with love and truth rather than coercion, creating a more sustainable path toward social transformation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of satyagraha as a method for achieving social change in both Gandhi's context in India and King's context in America.
  • Satyagraha proved highly effective in both Gandhi's struggle for Indian independence and King's fight for civil rights in America. In India, Gandhi mobilized millions through nonviolent protests that highlighted British injustices, ultimately leading to independence. Similarly, King's implementation of satyagraha during events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott galvanized public support against racial segregation, leading to significant legislative changes. Both leaders demonstrated that nonviolent action could achieve lasting impact by appealing to shared human values.

Related terms

Ahimsa: A principle of nonviolence toward all living beings, which is a core tenet of many Indian religions and central to Gandhi's philosophy.

Civil Disobedience:

The active, professed refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government, as a form of peaceful protest against injustice.

Nonviolent Resistance: A method of protest that seeks to achieve social or political goals through peaceful means, avoiding physical violence while advocating for change.