Monday, September 25, 2006

Gandhi


Peace will not come out of a clash of arms
but out of justice lived and done by unarmed nations in the face of odds.

Democracy and violence can ill go together.
Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side.

A coward is incapable of exhibiting love;
it is the prerogative of the brave.

Hatred ever kills, love never dies; such is the vast difference between the two.
What is obtained by love is retained for all time.
What is obtained by hatred proves a burden in reality for it increases hatred.

Non-cooperation with evil is a sacred duty.

Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.
It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man

The weak can never forgive.
Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

It may be long before the law of love will be recognizedin international affairs.
The machinery's of government stand between and
hide the hearts of one people from those of another.

Nonviolence is not a garment to be put on and off at will.
Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.

Whether humanity will consciously follow the law of love, I do not know.
But that need not disturb me.
The law will work just as the law of gravitation works, whether we accept it or not.

Power is of two kinds.
One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love.

Nonviolence and cowardice are contradictory terms.
Nonviolence is the greatest virtue, cowardice the greatest vice.
Nonviolence springs from love, cowardice from hate.
Nonviolence always suffers, cowardice would always inflict suffering.
Perfect nonviolence is the highest bravery.
Nonviolent conduct is never demoralizing, cowardice always is.

Destruction is not the law of humans.
Man lives freely only by his readiness to die, if need be, at the hands of his brother,
never by killing him. Every murder or other injury,
no matter for what cause,
committed or inflicted on another is a crime against humanity.

25 comments:

Neer said...

of course, i agree! :) how have you been kuan?

Anonymous said...

one should not have any problems listening to some one who lead by example..
His life was his message.
Thanks Kuan.

deepsat said...

a legend by himself!! a living proof that one man's idealogy can change an empire and give freedom to a nation!!!

amazing!!

;-))

Margie said...

Wonderful and powerful words!
Thank you!

Margie

starry said...

He lived a life that he taught.

serenity said...

Oh, such love and joy and peace every time I open your site. Today I see these words and my spirit is uplifted, and my heart beats in unison. Thank you so much for this oasis of peace and love.

serenity said...

Dear Kuan,
Thank you for this post, for these wonderful words that you have shared so graciously with us on your lovely site.

Living a life of love is living a life of intentional action.

Gandhi's words are ones to hold close.

Peace, joy and Love flowing to you...

Kuan Gung said...

I've been fine neers ...thank you

Kuan Gung said...

iris...great point...his life was dedicated to it

Kuan Gung said...

awe inspiring deepsat...

Kuan Gung said...

warm greetings mindinside

Kuan Gung said...

Greetings starry and Margie...

Kuan Gung said...

and what an example and dedication to peace iris

Neer said...

Kuan, hello! and thank you!

Kalpana said...

Really great!!!

Schrodingers cat said...

Non violence is good, but some confuse it as being non rebellious. Not revolutionary, but rebellious..which is standing up for your principles against others.

And it hasnt helped democracy much. Being shown the path is one thing, following it is a totally different issue. And it was something which failed terribly.

But that doesnt undermine the greatness of Gandhi in any way.

M.

Sam!! said...

Agreed, beautiful poetry:)

Hope u r doing fine.

Takecare.

Anonymous said...

He sure was Kuan....
the silent resolve...
the calm perfection...
so zen like.

serenity said...

Hi Kuan,
Just wanted to come back and bask in the words of Gandhi again and wish you a peaceful, wonderful weekend.

Peace, joy and Love....

Neer said...

heyyy Kuan!! hows saturday evening??

Neer said...

and heyy... thank you!

dumbdodi said...

Great tribute to a great man

Kuan Gung said...

Thank you neers and Margie...the weekend is always upon us...

EXSENO said...

I think my favorite line must be,
'You must be the change you wish to see in the world.'

Kuan Gung said...

exseno...I agree and think if everyone took action!