Metaphysical implications of Gandhian Thought

Dr. K.C. Chacko’s book “Metaphysical Implications of Gandhian thought” contains a lucid exposition of Gandhian Philosophy in general and of his meiaphysics in particular. Gandhian was essentially a man of action inspired by certain noble ideals and he indulged in metaphysical thinking only to the extent it gave support and justification for his actions. Gandhian’s life was in fact a series of experiments with Truth which he conceived as the highest ontological Reality that could bek equated with God. But Gandhian’s metaphysics has a moral and religious basis. Generally metaphysics is closely linked with Religion, but not so closely with Ethics, But with Gandhi metaphysics is pervaded through and through by Ethics. Further, metaphysical are system builders like a Hegel or a Sankara, But Gandhi is not a metaphysical of that type. For him the metaphysical ideal of Truth always goes with the moral ideal of Non-violence. In fact they are connected to each other as the obverse and reverse of a single medal or better still as End and Means. Truth is the End and Morality the Means. But Morality is not only the means for the realization of Truth, it is also the effective weapon in all fields of human activity whether political, social, economic or cultural. It is Gandhi’s firm conviction that where there is no morality only the law of the Jungle will prevail. Even self-realization which Gandhi regards as the final human goal which Gandhi regards as the final human goal depends upon the cultivation of morality. So morality is the most civilizing influence not only on the life of the individual but also of the group. And among moral principles Non-violence stands supreme. Its magic touch can transmute even baser metals into gold. The book deals not only with the metaphysical aspects of Gandhian thoughts but with a all aspects having bearing with metaphysics. The influence both traditional and modern which moulded the personality of Gandhi, Satyagraha, its technique and philosophy, Sarvodaya and Ramarajya, caste and class-dharma and moksha, all these and more find a place in this treatise. The book can certainly be deemed as worthy addition to the literature on the subject.