It is a misconception that non-violence is synonymous with weakness. It is a bold and effective measure against misguided forces

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan on May 20, 2023, as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between the two countries. The 42 inches tall bronze bust has been placed adjacent to the Motoyasu River, close to the iconic A-Bomb Dome that is visited by thousands of people – locals and tourists alike – every day, a location chosen as a mark of solidarity for peace and non-violence. “The location truly resonates with the principles and life of Mahatma Gandhiji, which continue to inspire the world and its leaders' ', a statement from the PMO said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address also said that “The bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima will take forward the idea of non-violence.”

In times of strife and conflict, the principles of peace, nonviolence, wellness, and mindfulness serve as guiding lights, illuminating a path towards harmony and understanding. The profound philosophies of the 6th-century saint Mahatma Buddha and 19th-century mass leader Mahatma Gandhi have had an indelible impact on humanity, transcending time and place. Their teachings have inspired countless individuals to strive for peace and embrace nonviolent means of conflict resolution.

Mahatma Buddha emphasized the importance of inner transformation as the key to achieving lasting peace in the world. Buddha's teachings revolved around the ‘Four Noble Truths’, which acknowledge the existence of suffering and the path to liberation from it through the ‘Eightfold Path’, such as right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The Buddha recognized that violence only perpetuates suffering and advocated for compassionate action as a means of resolving conflicts. Buddha's teachings encouraged individuals to cultivate empathy, understanding, and forgiveness, fostering harmony both within themselves and with others.

Mahatma Gandhi also drew inspiration from Buddha's teachings and adapted them to suit the context of his time. He combined the ideas of peace, nonviolence, wellness, and mindfulness by giving it the term ‘Satyagraha’, which was rooted in the principles of truth and nonviolent resistance. Gandhi's approach emphasized the need to address conflict through peaceful means, employing methods such as civil disobedience, boycotts, strikes, and fasts. He advocated for self-discipline, self-purification, and inner reflection as essential elements of nonviolent resistance. In their spiritual quest, both Mahatma Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi recognized the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being and sought to promote universal peace and well-being. Their teachings emphasize the power of compassion, empathy, and nonviolence as transformative forces. They believed in the power of inner transformation as the foundation for external change and stressed the importance of self-reflection, self-discipline, and self-purification as prerequisites for cultivating peace and nonviolence. Buddha recognized that violence only perpetuates suffering, and Gandhi adapted this concept to advocate for nonviolent resistance as a powerful tool for social and political change.

Renowned Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh expresses the connection between Buddha's teachings and Gandhi's philosophy and says that "Mahatma Gandhi applied the principles of nonviolence and compassion to the social, economic, and political issues of his time, just as the Buddha taught his disciples to apply mindfulness and compassion to their daily lives. Both sought to alleviate suffering and promote harmony through peaceful means."

The Dalai Lama, while emphasizing inner transformation said that "Gandhi and Buddha were united in their belief that peace in the world begins with inner peace. By cultivating love, compassion, and wisdom within ourselves, we become agents of positive change in society."

Advocates of nonviolent resistance like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela have been inspired by the Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. King Jr. says: "Like Buddha and Gandhi, I believe that nonviolence is not passive resignation, but a powerful force for justice and freedom. Nonviolence is the embodiment of love in action and has the capacity to transform individuals, communities, and nations."

Similarly, Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid leader and former President of South Africa, acknowledges the profound influence of Gandhi's philosophy on his own struggle. He says, "Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence inspired me to pursue freedom and equality for all. His teachings showed us that nonviolence is not a sign of weakness but a courageous choice to seek justice without resorting to violence."

In a world plagued by violence and conflict, the teachings of Buddha and Gandhi remind us of the power of nonviolent means for resolving conflicts. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and empathy, individuals can work towards peaceful resolutions, fostering harmony in diverse societies.

Also, the emphasis on mindfulness and self-care in Mahatma Buddha's teachings and social justice and equality, championed by Mahatma Gandhi remain relevant today as they encourage individuals to cultivate inner peace, well-being, and resilience, enabling them to navigate challenging circumstances with clarity and compassion. The question is, ‘When do we walk the path?’

(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti)