Satyagraha

I thought the code of discipline of satyagraha was very interesting. It seemed to be a whole system and set of rules for a uniform outward face of the movement. For example, followers were told to "obey orders of satyagraha leaders, resign if there is serious disagreement". This is so contrary to our own culture in which every one is allowed to disagree and be an "individual". Usually, we try and "respectfully" disagree, but we still have that freedom. And the only times we have to leave groups are when we choose to because we, for some reason, don't want to be associated with that particular group at this time.

Another aspect I thought was unique was about how to act in face of opposition. Gandhi tells his followers to "be an exemplary prisoner". He also says to "not resist arrest or attachment of property unless you are a trustee" in which case you "refuse to surrender property held in trust at risk of life". There were more rules along this line, like protecting your enemies even if you have to die in the process. It seems to be more than just nonviolence... a step beyond. I think part of this is that for Gandhi, part of nonviolence was more than using it as a fighting tactic. For him, nonviolence was really part of life... his reasons had moral and religious underpinnings as well. What I didn't understand was that part about being a trustee. Did some people give their property to the groups... in which case they had to be protected? How did this mesh with the idea of having no earthly attachments, including familial attachments? He does say to "not expect guarantees for maintenance of dependents" which I took to mean children, slaves/servants, and maybe even wives.

I don't know if I like the idea of satyagraha... it lacks individuality beyond the fact that one has to personally fully believe in its goals for any of it to work. Well, I guess in some ways I can understand that. There are things bigger than us that we are a part of, that we would be willing to make large sacrifices for... maybe that's what satyagraha relied upon/fulfilled for people. I still don't know if I would have been a part of it... I'm not peaceful enough I guess. I wouldn't be able to "harbor no anger" and other mandates Gandhi gave his followers.