“I took the vow of celibacy in 1906. I had not shared my thoughts with my wife until then, but only consulted her at the time of making the vow. She had no objection.”
- October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948
- British Indian Empire
- Lawyer, religious leader, social activist, political leader
- As a leader of the Indian independence movement, he advocated non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and contributed to India’s independence from Britain.
Quote
“I took the vow of celibacy in 1906. I had not shared my thoughts with my wife until then, but only consulted her at the time of making the vow. She had no objection.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi reflects on his personal decision to take a vow of celibacy (brahmacharya) in 1906, a significant and deeply spiritual commitment for him. Gandhi’s vow was not just about abstinence from physical relations, but about dedicating himself fully to a life of self-discipline, spirituality, and service. His decision to consult his wife, Kasturba, before making the vow, and her non-objection, reflects his understanding of their partnership and the respect he had for her as his equal in their shared life journey. However, this moment also illustrates how Gandhi viewed celibacy as a personal spiritual discipline that could coexist with his marriage, which was a deeply complex aspect of his personal and marital life.
Gandhi’s decision to adopt brahmacharya was tied to his broader spiritual philosophy, which emphasized self-control and the need to overcome physical desires in order to focus on higher principles such as truth (satya), nonviolence (ahimsa), and devotion to service. This idea is particularly important in understanding Gandhi’s moral framework, where the physical act of celibacy was seen as a means to concentrate energy for his spiritual and political work, especially in his fight for Indian independence and his advocacy for the rights of the oppressed.
This philosophy of celibacy and self-discipline holds relevance even in the modern context, where there are debates about the role of personal sacrifice and spiritual practice in the face of societal pressures. Gandhi’s example can be seen as a form of personal integrity and commitment to a greater cause, demonstrating that individuals can make profound sacrifices for what they believe in, even if those decisions are not universally understood or accepted. It is also a reminder that deeply personal choices, such as celibacy, can be made in the context of respectful partnerships, where open communication and mutual understanding are key. Gandhi’s quote sheds light on how he balanced his personal vows with his responsibilities in his marriage, emphasizing the need for careful thought and respectful dialogue in matters of personal belief and shared life decisions.
