Forum Post: Concepts of non violent struggle

Gandhi used non-violence (Ahimsa) to free an entire subcontinent from the most powerful empire in history. However, he understood certain concepts which I really hope you all apply. 1. Gandhi always said hate the crime not the criminal. Thus, your enemy is not the 1%, it is their greed, sloth and corruption. So, every time, news-media tries to paint you as socialists, say we are not against the rich, we are against their insecurity (which manipulates system) and which prevents us from becoming rich. You do not want rich to be forced to pay taxes, you want them to realize how lucky they are and volunteer to give up a little portion of their wealth to a society they are grateful to. So, be so pure, they want to be grateful to you 2. Just because some people oppose you, does not mean automatically they are evil/idiots. Their perspectives are different, their aim is same as yours. Listen to your opposition carefully and patiently explain your arguments,tailoring them to make it easiest for them to understand. Use their criticism to genuinely introspect and clarify your own thought processes. Remember, everybody is really trying his best to lead a moral life. Their anger/misdemeanor is due to their ignorance of truth. I know bankers knowingly cheated Main street. But in this case, their ignorance is not of the Law , but of the sanctity of integrity over money. So, explain why a win by cheating is not really a win. Success by fraud is never going to feel as good as that due to hard work. Character/ Peace of mind is worth much more than few million bucks. If you can not explain to them, go home and try to understand it yourself and then come back. 3. Gandhi also used satyagraha as a means to purify the satyagrahi. Those who participate, get a really great opportunity to grow as individuals. It is easy to explain something to your wife, but when you can explain something to someone, with a completely opposite view point, you have learnt negotiation. When you feel nothing but love, for someone who is shouting or actually hurting you, you have learnt true unconditional love. When you are staying, when all others are leaving, you have learnt perseverance and patience. And these qualities will stay with you for the rest of your lives. More to follow.