The Gandhi Mindset | Mahatma Gandhi's Philosophy on Personal Independence

This video explores the goals, values, and vows of Mahatma Gandhi so that we may follow in his footsteps by declaring our own personal independence.

Despite what people think, Mahatma Gandhi's main goal wasn't Indian independence.

His main goal was PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE and he saw Indian independence as a positive side-effect.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi

We care what other people think because we consciously and subconsciously want things from other people: money, love, recognition, food, shelter, power.

But Mahatma Gandhi cared very little what other people thought PRECISELY because he wanted little from them.

He made and washed his own clothes. He cut his own hair (or lack thereof). He ate a very simple diet, often fasting to make a political point.

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"I threw off dependence on the barber." - Gandhi

"The body always needs clean non-stimulating foods." - Gandhi

"I must reduce myself to zero." - Gandhi

"Morally I have no doubt that all self-denial is good for the soul." - Gandhi

Gandhi's goal wasn't to become closer to people (although he loved people), but to become closer to God.

He believed the way to become closer to God was by becoming evermore pure and independent.

"Independence of my conception means nothing less than the realization of the Kingdom of God within you and on this Earth." - Gandhi

He didn't worry about what other people thought because success purely depended upon his own resolve.

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In his pursuit of independence, Gandhi would permanently cast off one pleasurable thing after another…

"My life is based on disciplinary resolutions." - Gandhi

"I cannot live both after the flesh and the spirit." - Gandhi

He reduced temptation by making a vow to God.

"I realized that a vow, far from closing the door to real freedom, opened it." - Gandhi

Vows he made throughout his life:

Ahimsa: Nonviolence
Satya: Truth
Asteya: Non-Stealing
Brahmacharya: Self Discipline
Aparigraha: Non-Possession
Sharirshrama: Bread Labor
Aswada: Control of the Palate
Sarvatra Bhayavarjana: Fearlessness
Sarva Dharma Samantva: Equality of All Religions
Swadeshi: Use Locally Made Goods
Sparshbhavana: Remove Untouchability

Once Gandhi made a vow he never broke it.

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worry less what other people think gandhi)

If you want to stop a bad behavior then you can make a promise to yourself, or someone you love, or even to God (if you believe in God) to never do that thing again. If you are a person of your word then your public renunciation should be enough to make you follow-thru.

What are some things you can give up? The less you need to be happy the more powerful you will be!

"There must, therefore, be ceaseless striving after perfection." - Gandhi

If you want to stop worrying about what other people think then follow in Gandhi's footsteps by requiring less and less from other people.

Make every day your independence day.