VOLUNTARY POVERTY MAHATHMA GANDHI - NOTES

VOLUNTARY POVERTY

MAHATHMA GANDHI

Simplicity is the hallmark of Gandhi’s life and so is his language.  His ideas are simple as his language. But, the impact of his ideas is great. In this article titled “Voluntary Poverty” Gandhi presents how he accepted poverty willingly. Forced poverty can be tolerated. But, imposing poverty on oneself willingly is a matter of greatness.

At the time when politics is seen doubtful and considered as the breeding ground of immorality, untruth and political gain, Gandhi entered politics. After entering politics Gandhi wished to be free from immorality, untruth and political gain. To be free from these things one should shun prosperity pondered Gandhi.  So, he decided to discard all his wealth.  His thought did not augur well in his family.

            Gandhi put his thought of discarding wealth in to action. In the start it was not a cakewalk. But, gradually he adapted to it. Amazingly it even gave pleasure to Gandhi.  Defending is the difficulty in possession but when the possession is willingly surrendered then the burden of defending it will not arise. This way Gandhi felt pleasure after giving up treasure.To Gandhi possession seemed to be a crime. Only thing which can be possessed by all is non-possession. It is a willing surrender.

Gandhi says that the spirit behind non-possession is important. One can live with essentials such as clothes, food and shelter and anything beyond these basic needs, is a luxury.
‘To multiply wants is civilization’, is a wrong notion.  On the other hand when your wants diminish your joy gets multiplied feels Gandhi. He says about the state of bliss which is a desirable state. It is bliss to serve your fellow human beings. By diminishing your wants you serve your fellow beings. Bliss is the dedication of body, soul and mind. Body is given to you as a temporary possession by God. So, it must be used for service. Those who follow giving all will be never in want contend Gandhi.

The God is the hardest task master in the view of Gandhi.  He puts one in task in every way. In the experience of Gandhi trying is God’s nature but forsaking is not. Gandhi feels that he has never forsaken Gandhi though he tested him in every way.
Gandhi thus drives home the message that voluntarily accepting poverty is the best way to be free from the clutches of immorality.