Acharyasri –
The integration of Marian and Gandhian spiritualities offers a profound lens through which to view the ongoing struggles for freedom in India, particularly in the context of the Second Freedom Struggle. This concept intertwines the spiritual legacies of two pivotal figures: Mother Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus Christ, and Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian independence movement.
15th August marks a dual celebration in India; it is not only the day the nation gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947 but also the Feast of the Assumption of Mother Mary. This day symbolizes liberation—Mother India from political oppression and Mother Mary from the confines of the material world, traditionally believed to have occurred around AD 43 or 44. The parallel between these two liberations is striking, as both embody a spirituality of suffering and sacrifice.
Mother Mary’s life was marked by her presence at the foot of the cross, sharing in the suffering of her son, Jesus. This ‘Marian spirituality’ emphasizes an internal journey toward liberation through love and sacrifice.
In contrast, India’s struggle for independence was characterized by a unique approach to liberation: non-violence. Gandhi’s philosophy of ‘Satyagraha’ was a practical manifestation of the liberative spirituality of the cross, demonstrating that the principles of love and sacrifice could be applied to socio-political contexts. Gandhi’s leadership showcased the transformative power of the cross, revealing its potential for large-scale societal change, a notion that had not been fully realized in the Western Christian world until his time. This ‘Gandhian spirituality’ represents an external spirituality of liberation, advocating for justice and equality through peaceful means.
The term ‘Integral Spirituality’ emerges from the synthesis of these two spiritualities, combining the internal and external dimensions of liberation. This integration is crucial as India faces what Gandhi referred to as the unfinished tasks of freedom: economic, social, and moral liberation. As he stated in January 1948, these challenges are more complex and demanding than the political struggle, requiring a commitment to self-sacrifice and perseverance from the citizens of a free India.
The call for a Second Freedom Struggle is not merely a continuation of the past but an evolution of the ideals of love, sacrifice, and service, encapsulated in the concept of ‘Tyagarchana.’ This term combines ‘Tyaga,’ meaning loving sacrifice, and ‘Archana,’ referring to offerings made to God. Service to humanity is the highest form of offering, echoing the ancient Indian wisdom that serving others is akin to serving the divine. The triad of love, sacrifice, and service forms the foundation of ‘Tyagarchana,’ which weaves together the spiritual and practical aspects of liberation.
In contemporary society, the forces of selfishness, pride, and greed threaten the fabric of community and nation. These negative traits, termed the ‘Dushta Shakti Trayam,’ stand in stark contrast to the ‘Shishta Shakti Trayam’ of love, sacrifice, and service. The path to overcoming these challenges lies in the collective practice of ‘Tyagarchana,’ which serves as both an interreligious spiritual exercise and an eco-spiritual ideology aimed at achieving the economic, social, and moral freedoms that remain elusive in India.
The recent initiation of the Greater India Movement (GIM) by Dharma Rajya Vedi on September 10, 2023, embodies this vision. Inspired by the principles of Tyagarchana, the movement seeks to address the pressing needs for freedom in various spheres of life, advocating for a society rooted in love, sacrifice, and service.
The Shishta Shakti Trayam is also the only way to overcome the Dushta Shakti Trayam of selfishness, pride and greed ruling the world today.
We praise and thank God for the gifts of Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Mary. An integration of their liberative spiritualities is what we have termed ‘Tyagarchana’. May the Tyagarchana interreligious sadhna and eco-spiritual ideology help us win the economic, social and moral freedoms that are yet to be won for our motherland.
In conclusion, the integration of Marian and Gandhian spiritualities through Tyagarchana presents a holistic approach to the Second Freedom Struggle. It calls for a renewed commitment to the ideals of love, service, and self-sacrifice, essential for overcoming the challenges of our time. By embracing this ‘Integral Spirituality,’ the citizens of India can honor the legacies of both Mother Mary and Mahatma Gandhi, paving the way for a future where true freedom—beyond mere political independence—is realized.
Acharyasri (Swami Sachidananda Bharathi) is a former atheist Indian Air Force Squadron Leader turned ardent disciple of Lord Jesus Christ. He is a keen promoter of an Indian Face of the Christian Faith without religious conversion and cultural alienation. Acharyasri is the founder of five Ashrams, two Missions, two Trusts, a Socio-Spiritual Organization and an Open Consecrated Society. He has authored more than 20 books and had represented India in the ‘Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders’ organised by the United Nations at New York in August 2000.