[Manish Jain]

During his time in London (1888–1891), Mahatma Gandhi underwent a profound personal and spiritual transformation that shaped his worldview and philosophy. One of the key realizations he had during this period was that Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, despite their differences, shared a common core message of truth, love, compassion, and service to humanity. This understanding became a cornerstone of his lifelong commitment to religious harmony and universal brotherhood. Here’s how Gandhi arrived at this realization and how it influenced his life and work:

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1. Exposure to Diverse Cultures and Religions

• As a young law student in London, Gandhi was exposed to a multicultural and multi-religious environment. He interacted with people from different faiths and backgrounds, which broadened his perspective.
  
• He began reading religious texts from various traditions, including the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, and the Quran, as well as works by philosophers like Leo Tolstoy and John Ruskin. These readings helped him see the commonalities between religions.
  

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2. Study of the Bhagavad Gita

• Gandhi’s study of the Bhagavad Gita during his time in London had a profound impact on him. He was particularly struck by its teachings on selfless action (karma yoga), truth (satya), and non-violence (ahimsa).
  
• He saw the Gita not as a sectarian Hindu text but as a universal guide to righteous living, applicable to people of all faiths.
  

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3. Influence of Christianity

• Gandhi was deeply influenced by the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, which emphasizes love, forgiveness, and humility. He admired Christ’s message of turning the other cheek and loving one’s enemies.
  
• Gandhi often quoted the Bible and drew parallels between Christ’s teachings and the principles of Hinduism. He saw Christ as a great spiritual teacher whose message transcended religious boundaries.
  

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4. Engagement with Islam

• Although Gandhi’s deeper engagement with Islam came later, during his time in South Africa and India, his early exposure to the Quran and interactions with Muslims in London planted the seeds of his respect for Islamic teachings.
  
• He admired Islam’s emphasis on equality, brotherhood, and submission to God’s will (Islam means "submission"). These principles resonated with his own beliefs in social justice and universal love.
  

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5. Realization of Common Core Values

• Gandhi realized that despite the external differences in rituals, practices, and doctrines, all three religions—Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam—shared a common ethical and spiritual foundation.
  • Truth (Satya): All three religions emphasized the importance of truth and honesty.
    
  • Love and Compassion: The teachings of love for all beings (Hinduism), love for one’s neighbor (Christianity), and compassion for the less fortunate (Islam) were central to each faith.
    
  • Service to Humanity: Gandhi saw service to others as a universal principle upheld by all religions.
    
  • Non-Violence (Ahimsa): While non-violence is explicitly emphasized in Hinduism and Jainism, Gandhi found echoes of it in Christ’s teachings and in the Quran’s emphasis on peace and justice.
    

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6. Impact on Gandhi’s Philosophy

• This realization deeply influenced Gandhi’s philosophy of Sarvodaya (welfare of all) and his commitment to religious pluralism. He believed that all religions were paths to the same ultimate truth and that no single religion had a monopoly on wisdom.
  
• Gandhi’s respect for all religions became a defining feature of his leadership. He often said, "I am a Hindu, a Christian, a Muslim, a Jew, a Buddhist, and a Zoroastrian." For him, religion was not about dogma but about living a life of truth, love, and service.
  

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7. Practical Application in His Life

• Gandhi’s understanding of the unity of religions guided his actions throughout his life:
  • He worked tirelessly to promote Hindu-Muslim unity in India, even fasting to stop communal violence.
    
  • He drew inspiration from the teachings of Christ during his campaigns of non-violent resistance.
    
  • He respected the religious practices of all communities and encouraged interfaith dialogue.
    

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8. Legacy of Religious Harmony

• Gandhi’s belief in the essential unity of religions remains one of his most enduring legacies. In a world often divided by religious strife, his message of mutual respect and understanding is more relevant than ever.
  
• He demonstrated that it is possible to be deeply rooted in one’s own faith while respecting and learning from others.