The circle of life: 50 years ago, the 100th anniversary of his birth, I discovered the life of Mahatma Gandhi thru a calendar published by (WRL). I was captivated by his teachings and his “experiments with truth.”
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In high school I read Jim Douglass’ “The Nonviolent Cross,” helping me see how Gandhi’s “Truth Force” cohered with the gospel of Jesus. In college I studied with Gene Sharp, preeminent student of nonviolent action. I focused on Gandhi’s political and economic philosophy.
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In 1975 I decided to leave college to join the resurgent Gandhian revolution in Bihar led by JP Narayan. But then a State of Emergency was declared in India. I could not get a visa. Out of school, I decided to visit the Catholic Worker in NY—a community in the Gandhian spirit.
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My interest in India did not wane. My 1st arrest occurred at the Indian Consulate, protesting with other Indians for democracy. At Dorothy Day’s suggestion I began to write articles about Gandhian philosophy for the CW. She named me managing editor (I was 20). I stayed for 5 yrs.
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Those years deeply changed the direction of my life. Still, many years later, now the editor at , one of my first books was “Gandhi on Christianity.” I also published Jim Douglass’ “Gandhi and the Unspeakable.”
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And now dear readers: I am going to INDIA! The occasion—a local publisher is celebrating Gandhi’s 150th birthday by reprinting my book as well as Jim’s. They have invited me for the launch. Please pray for me and hold me in your thoughts. Bowing to the hand of Providence.
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Fascinating seeing, from so many years later, how your history of discovery hits some of the same points as mine. I discovered Gandhi via the Berrigans, the CW, WRL, & the Merton & Bondurant books starting around 1980.
But you've done a bit more with it than me, lol.
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I appreciate this memorial about my father by @ggrenwald above any I have read today--for his comprehensive review of his bio & history, for his attention to themes generally overlooked about his post-Vietnam life, but particularly for deep appreciation of his human qualities.🙏
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Here's my @RollingStone article on Daniel Ellsberg, the heroic Pentagon Papers leaker who died today at 92:
"We’re Told Never to Meet Our Childhood Heroes. Knowing Daniel Ellsberg Proved That Wrong"
rollingstone.com/politics/polit
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