Explain Gandhi’s insistence on fasting for self purification.

Gandhi's insistence on fasting for self-purification was deeply rooted in his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) and his commitment to moral integrity, spiritual discipline, and nonviolent resistance. Gandhi viewed fasting as a powerful tool for inner transformation, moral renewal, and spiritual growth, as well as a form of nonviolent protest and resistance against injustice.

For Gandhi, fasting was not merely a physical act of abstaining from food but a symbolic expression of one's commitment to truth, righteousness, and nonviolence. By voluntarily subjecting oneself to physical discomfort and deprivation, Gandhi believed that individuals could purify their hearts and minds, overcome selfish desires and attachments, and cultivate greater empathy, compassion, and selflessness.

Gandhi often undertook fasts as a form of protest or moral persuasion to draw attention to social injustices, challenge oppressive policies, and mobilize public opinion. He used fasting as a means of resisting British colonial rule, promoting communal harmony, and addressing various social issues such as untouchability, poverty, and injustice. Gandhi's fasts were not acts of coercion or manipulation but acts of moral courage and self-sacrifice aimed at inspiring others to reflect on their own values and principles and take action for positive change.

Moreover, Gandhi saw fasting as a means of atonement and reconciliation, both with oneself and with others. He believed that by acknowledging one's own shortcomings and mistakes and seeking forgiveness from those harmed, individuals could heal divisions, restore relationships, and promote reconciliation and peace. Gandhi's fasts were often accompanied by prayer, meditation, and introspection, reflecting his deep spiritual commitment to ahimsa (nonviolence) and satya (truth).

In summary, Gandhi's insistence on fasting for self-purification was a central aspect of his philosophy and practice of Satyagraha. He saw fasting as a means of spiritual discipline, moral renewal, and nonviolent resistance, as well as a way of promoting social justice, communal harmony, and reconciliation. Gandhi's fasts exemplified his unwavering commitment to truth, righteousness, and nonviolence and continue to inspire individuals and movements around the world to seek inner transformation and social change through acts of moral courage and self-sacrifice.