Gandhi's Ascetic Activism

Veena R. Howard teaches Religious Studies and Asian Studies at the University of Oregon.

• AcknowledgmentsNotes on Symbols of Vocabulary and TransliterationPrefaceIntroduction1. Challenging the Philosophical Presupposition: Gandhi’s Unconventional Synthesis of Asceticism and Activism2. Gandhi’s Alternative Paradigm: From Traditional Principles to New Political Purposes3. The Traditional Roots of Gandhi’s Brahmacarya4. Gandhi’s Unorthodox Brahmacarya: Reinterpreting Private Religious Practice for Public Service5. Gandhi’s Embodiment of Legendary Heroes and Ascetics: Toward a Coherent Narrative for Nonviolent ActivismConclusionAppendicesNotesGlossaryBibliography

"…an impressive example of meticulous scholarship. Well written and well documented, it offers innovative interpretations that will both inform and challenge the views of most readers. It is an important contribution … Veena Howard has authored a very impressive study that deepens our knowledge of Gandhi." — Philosophy East & West"Based on a detailed and close reading of Gandhi's works, and considerable familiarity with Indian traditions, this book offers an informative and interesting account of the inner connections between his asceticism and nonviolent politics." — Bhikhu Parekh, University of Westminster and the House of Lords"Well grounded in the contemporary scholarship on Gandhi, Veena Howard wisely takes her primary clues from Gandhi's own claims about himself, read in accord with concepts central to Indian tradition. She brings out the substance and wisdom of his positions, without avoiding challenging questions about those ideals and practices." — Francis X. Clooney, SJ, author of Comparative Theology: Deep Learning Across Religious Borders