Are the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi still relevant in today's world?

Absolutely. Honor, peaceful protest to improve society through non-violence, simple living, spirituality are a few of the concepts he promoted. We need them just as much now as we did when Gandhi lived.

Were they ever?

I don’t think today’s world is very different from the world of 60–80 years ago in any important respect. So yes.

What he taught is more or less the same as other wise teachers throughout the ages, such as Jesus and the Buddha. It’s been the same as it ever was in terms of human nature, so, yes, still relevant.

I adore Gandiji. His teachings are timeless.

Yes, just as relevant as philosophers have been throughout all the ages. I look forward to the day they are actual practice; but baring an unforseen consequence, it won’t happen in my lifetime.

@YARNLADY It’s up to us to practice peace.

@Compassionate Heretic What teachings in particular?

@lloydbird Peace, compassion, nonviolence to name a few.

@The_Compassionate_Heretic I do my part, but unfortunately, very few people actually practice peace.

@YARNLADY Cynicism is not part of the path to inner peace.

@filmfann @The_Compassionate_Heretic @aprilsimnel etc Just Google The Myth of the Mahatma, then come back on this. Food for thought.

@lloydbird It sounds like you have a point to make. Let’s hear it.

@The_Compassionate_Heretic I refer the Honourable Member to the answer that I gave some moments ago!

@lloydbird I read it what you wrote. I just didn’t feel like doing your research for you.
If you think Gandhi’s teachings are not applicable in today’s society, I accept your opinion and am content to leave it at that.

@lloydbird I looked at it. Not really food for thought. They are competely misrepresenting the truth. Gandhi was so much more.

@filmfann I would like to think so as well.

MLK used Gandhi’s teachings as part of his movement. I have no doubt his teachings could be used successfully now in Iran.

@filmfann Which ones?

Gandhi believed in being able to reach and appeal to man’s basic humanity. Passive resistance and suffering would show the Iranian leaders that they are not acting humanely.

@filmfann I always liked this quote from Gandhi:

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall—think of it, ALWAYS. ”

Who wants me to be honest here? I would love to be….but I don’t want to start a fight. Just asking first.

Non-violent protest, peace, living a simple life; I believe these teachings are relevant to humans today and will continue to be for a considerable period of time.
@lloydbird I read what I believe was the “Myth of Mahatma Gandhi” article which you have directed people towards (http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=2419) but fail to see its relevance to Gandhis legacy.

I shall be honest. There is no relevency whatsoever. This world is cold, cruel, and full of fighting. Only at the most convienient times do people use faith. They don’t turn to it. They USE it like a tool.

@TheWatcher Firstly, I disagree with you initial statement. I feel if something can be used in some manner and context then it is indeed relevant. Second, you speak of such use as though it is a bad thing. I apologise if I am misinterpreting your feelings on the subject but if not then could you please elaborate on why such feelings are present?

Well. When ever there is a problem and it’s of human cuase people bring religion into it. Look at 9/11. Sure there is faith. But after the incident. You see people lining up to ask for gods help. Ok the rawandan genocide when Hutus Killed Tutsis. The tutsis didn’t fight bk, they used satyagraha, the tried standing up to them by not fighting, look where that got em, killed and calling for aid. It’s hard to explain I can write a book. But thing is, in this day and age, one must fight to survive.

@The_Compassionate_Heretic Cynicism would be the belief that is can’t be done, realism is the acknowledgment that it hasn’t happened yet.

@YARNLADY Cynicism:
1. An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others: the public cynicism aroused by governmental scandals.
2. A scornfully or jadedly negative comment or act:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cynicism

I have my veiws, call me an atheist, but I have yet to see a war ending with the use of satyiagraha

more so than ever

@TheWatcher I agree, one must fight to survive in this/any day and age but could religion not be utilised to ensure this survival? People who are lacking morale are less likely to resist no?
Regarding the Rwandan genocide I would agree that the Tutsis use of ‘satyagraha’ was not by any stretch the most logical choice but it does not negate its relevance. Something being ‘stupid’ (when used in certain circumstances) does not make it irrelevant.
I concur with the general philosophy you are describing Watcher but I do not feel it is relevant (dun dun DUN) to this topic.

You speak truth my friend. And yes there are times were people need some form of faith to look up to. But it’s the use and timing of it that counts.

@TheWatcher Indeed my friend, the effectiveness of most ideological tools in this world are decided by their application and the context in which they’re applied.

Aye you are wise my friend. But you see faith is important. People need to believe in sumthing.

@TheWatcher Wise? I’m flattered my friend but must disagree. I’m simply a naive child who occasionally gets lucky. True wisdom derives from more than just vague understanding, it is attained from experience with which such understanding can be clarified. Nonetheless, thank you for your kind words and I wish you a pleasant evening :)

Everyone has wisdom. They must decide when and how to use it. It’s in our choices we make. Sometimes we make bad ones and we learn from them. That is real wisdom.

@Nially_Bob ”....the effectiveness of most ideological tools in this world are decided by their application and the context in which they’re applied.”, sounds like wisdom to me.

Nonviolent protest is still very powerful. It worked in East Germany before the Wall came down.

@mattbrowne I think they mean this century relevant