OSHO: Mahatma Gandhi's Poverty Is Very Costly

OSHO International2 minutes read

Gandhi's portrayal of poverty was a facade influenced by Western exposure and Christian missionaries, critiquing the burden placed on society by the idea of saints living in poverty. Despite appearing frugal, his actions revealed a lifestyle more expensive than that of the wealthy, undermining the perceived value of his supposed humility.

Insights

  • Gandhi's intentional portrayal of poverty through his lifestyle, despite hidden luxuries, aimed to connect with the masses by appearing relatable and humble, showcasing a strategic approach to garnering support and influence.
  • The text challenges the conventional notion of saints and religious figures living in poverty as a means of aiding the less fortunate, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions inherent in such practices, prompting a reevaluation of the perceived value and impact of these actions.

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Recent questions

  • Why did Gandhi travel in third class trains?

    To appear relatable and poor to the masses.

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Summary

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Gandhi's Deceptive Poverty: A Critique

  • Gandhi traveled in the third class of Indian trains to appear poor and relatable to the masses, despite the compartment being booked solely for him due to his status.
  • He lived a seemingly frugal life, drinking goat's milk and wearing simple clothes, but his goat was bathed with expensive Lux soap and fed costly food, revealing the facade of his poverty.
  • Gandhi's strategy of portraying poverty was influenced by his exposure to Christian missionaries in the West, leading him to adopt a lifestyle that appeared humble but was actually more expensive than that of the wealthy.
  • The text criticizes the idea of saints and religious figures living in poverty as a means of helping the poor, highlighting the burden it places on society and questioning the true value of such actions.
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