“It is my own firm belief that the strength of the soul grows in proportion as you subdue the flesh.”
- 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
“It is my own firm belief that the strength of the soul grows in proportion as you subdue the flesh.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi reflects on the relationship between the physical body and the spiritual self. He suggests that spiritual strength—the development of one’s inner character and moral resilience—is directly linked to the mastery over the body and its desires. By “subduing the flesh,” Gandhi refers to the act of exercising self-discipline and control over one’s physical impulses, such as sensual desires, comfort, and attachments to material things. Gandhi believed that the soul could only reach its highest potential when an individual resisted the distractions of the physical world, thus fostering a deeper connection to truth and spiritual purity. This idea aligns with his broader philosophy of self-restraint, where mastery over one’s physical nature leads to greater clarity and focus on higher ideals.
Gandhi’s belief that the soul’s strength grows through the subjugation of the flesh was influenced by his personal practice of austerity and his adherence to strict principles of non-violence and simple living. He practiced fasting, simplicity in diet, and celibacy as means of purifying both the body and the mind. For him, the renunciation of bodily comforts and desires was not about self-punishment, but about freeing oneself from attachments that could cloud one’s ability to act in accordance with moral values. He saw the physical body as a tool that should be used for the service of higher spiritual goals, rather than as an end in itself. Thus, by practicing self-discipline, one could cultivate a stronger soul, capable of facing challenges with resolve, clarity, and compassion.
In today’s context, this quote speaks to the ongoing tension between materialism and spirituality. In an age of consumerism and instant gratification, Gandhi’s words challenge us to reconsider the ways in which we allow physical comforts, emotional impulses, and material wealth to govern our lives. His perspective suggests that true strength and freedom come not from accumulating wealth or satisfying physical desires, but from disciplining the self and focusing on higher purposes. Whether through mindfulness, minimalism, or spiritual practices, Gandhi’s call to “subdue the flesh” can be interpreted as a call to break free from the excesses of the material world in order to live a life of greater integrity, purpose, and inner peace. It serves as a reminder that the strength we seek in the external world often starts with the mastery of our inner selves.
