The movie Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough, and the readings in Neighboring Faiths and What Do Hindus Believe feature several prominent elements.are depicted. The following essay will discuss these three elements and reveal whether the film confirms or contradicts the assigned readings.
Karma in Hinduism
One essential feature derived from the readings is the idea of karma in Hinduism. Karma is the law of cause and effect, through which what people do in their past lives determines their present and future lives. The statement,” Some of the elements of rituals became personalized into gods,” reflects changes caused by devotion(Winfried Corduan, 2013). That idea is portrayed in the film by Gandhi’s faith in nonviolence and his dedication to obtaining justice for the Indian people in a peaceful way. Gandhi’s behaviour is best explained as an endeavour to generate good karma and improve things in his country. The film affirms the idea of karma by showing Gandhi as a spiritual and moral man who seems to be doing only good and helping other people. He supports the might of nonviolence and that actions speak louder than words (Attenborough, 1982). For instance, Gandhi’s application of non-violent demonstrations and civil disobedience resulted in India’s disengagement from British rule. That is in agreement with the thought that the current actions of one shape both their future and that of others.
Notion of Dharma
Another critical aspect of the reading mentioned in the movie is the notion of dharma in Hinduism. Dharma means obligations or ethical duties in life (Lucky550, 2012). What Do Hindus Believe? Identifies dharma as one of the fundamental constituents of Hindu life, including social, family, and occupational duties. Gandhi’s observance of dharma is seen in his every action and decision. The statement, ”Whatever sustains is dharma ,” reflects the Hindu ethics (Bhaskarananda, 2002). He thinks it is his moral obligation to struggle for the rights and freedom of the Indian people. As a visionary leader and a campaigner for justice, he cannot but stand for the fight against British tyranny and strive for his country’s independence. Gandhi’s espousal of nonviolence and civil disobedience also embodies his view of dharma, for he opts for righteousness and morality.
The movie demonstrates the role of dharma via Gandhi’s constant occupation with his duty and moral duties. He is depicted as a person who is not afraid to renounce his comfort and desires, even if doing so will mean helping the whole community. Like that, Gandhi goes through periods of fasting and imposed poverty willingly to experience the pain of the people of India and to show loyalty to their cause (Attenborough, 1982). This corresponds to the readings, which focus on the role of dharma in guiding our actions and choices.
Hindu Principle
Finally, the movie deals briefly with the concept of ahimsa, which is the Hindu principle of not hurting people. Ahimsa is doing violence or causing harm, which inflicts terrible karma. The statement”Hinduism does not believe in fatalism” reflects his philosophy of ahimsa (Bhaskarananda, 2002). Ahimsa is the fundamental value in Hindu moral teachings; this value advocates for no living thing to be hurt
Nonviolence is a significant theme in the movie. He is convinced that violence breeds more violence and that real change should be accomplished through peace and comprehension. Gandhi repeatedly preaches non-violent demonstrations, civil disobedience, and peaceful discussion throughout the film to obtain justice and freedom (Attenborough, 1982). The latter statement, “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind,” reflects his philosophy of peace advocacy (Attenborough, 1982).
The movie reveals that ahimsa is valuable. It does so by showing Gandhi as someone who unwaveringly advocated for nonviolence. His unwavering devotion to peaceful struggle created awe for millions of people, and finally, India got an independent status from the British. Many instances are demonstrated in the film in which Gandhi and his followers go through physical violence and persecution without even attacking, portraying the power of non-violent action.
Nevertheless, the movie and the readings present differences concerning the term ahimsa. The film portrays Gandhi as a staunch supporter of nonviolence bordering on unrealistic. Although Gandhi certainly believed in the strength of ahimsa and its potential to create change, he was also aware of the nuances and difficulties faced by the practical implementation of nonviolence.
Conclusion
To conclude, the movie “Gandhi” and the readings corroborate and contradict each other. It is regarding several significant elements. The movie reflects Gandhi’s belief in karma by depicting his actions and commitment to nonviolence, but it exaggerates and simplifies the concept. The concept of dharma is well-portrayed in the movie through Gandhi’s unshakeable commitment to his mandate as leader and champion for justice. However, it focuses mainly on his political person and role. The idea of ahimsa (nonviolence) is the film’s key theme and ties with the readings. Gandi is also portrayed as an advocate of nonviolence; however, the depiction of Gandi could be more realistic. Even though the movie delivers strong images of Gandhi’s life and the activity he produced during Indian Independence, that movie is, in fact, a dramatized account. Thus, it may disregard certain complexities and nuances of the observed Hindu principles.
References
Winfried Corduan. (2013). Neighbouring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions. Illinois Intervarsity Press.
Bhaskarananda, S. (2002). The essentials of Hinduism: a comprehensive overview of the world’s oldest religion. Seattle: Viveka Press.
Attenborough, R. (Director). (1982). Gandhi [Film]. Goldcrest Films
write