Mahatma Gandhi & Mother Teresa 마하트마 간디와 마더 데레사

                                                           

     (written in 2003)

The autumn sky is so lofty that I feel like roaming around the heavens. All of a sudden, it became windy and cold, especially in the early morning, but the sky is constantly beautiful and engaging. It is so broad and vast like Gandhi's broad-minded personality and vision toward humanity. I respect him especially because of his generosity towards educational, political, religious, and cultural differences.

 Mother Teresa should be honored as much as Gandhi for her spirit of universality and solidarity. It seems inevitable that she will be beatified sooner or later. Even though she is a Catholic nun, lots of people of all denominations respect her not only across India but throughout the whole world.

"Mother Teresa: No Greater Love" is one of many books describing her thoughts on prayer, being holy, work and service, poverty and the poor, love, giving, forgiveness, suffering, and death. This book was published bilingually in two volumes in Korea.

 One thing very interesting in Gandhi's life is the fact that he was very shy and confined himself to his room when he was young. Nevertheless, he was changed into a person with firm conviction and determined activity. He was not exclusive at all; he was all-embracing with one indivisible wholeness.

 Mother Teresa is no exception. She suffered from depression but overcame to be a witness to the truth. Where did this inner power come from? This personal capacity surely comes from insatiable love for mankind, issuing from total trust in God. Our times need such a person without selfish prejudice and greedy exclusiveness. An All-embracing or all-around personality is necessary for the improvement of peaceful coexistence.

 Like Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi is surely a pride of India. His thoughts and visions have stimulated many people across the world. Being a man of truth, freedom, and non-violence, he became an example to all cultures, religions, and races.

 His vision of education was rather holistic and integrated. In other words, he tried to combine intellect, body, heart, soul, and mind. The realization of the whole, all-around, total person was the goal in his vision for education.

 Gandhi was very open to sex education also. He said we can't control sexual passing just by turning a blind eye to it. Then, he suggested explaining the significance and purpose of sex. He also mentioned the importance of social awareness, economic equality, and political consciousness.

 I really appreciate his sense of reverence and broad-minded tolerance for various religions. His life is an open book for all to study:

 "True religion is not a narrow dogma. It is not external observance. It is faith in God and living in the presence of God."

 "Religion does not mean sectarianism. It transcends Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, etc. It does not supersede them. It harmonizes them and gives them a reality."

 "I do not expect India of my dreams to develop one religion but I want it to be wholly tolerant, with its religions working side by side with one another."

 He truly believed in the fundamental truth of every religion. He also believed in woman's equal mental capacities. For him, the goal of education was the formation of character, patriotism, openness to all cultures, adherence to truth, and commitment to peace.

 Come to think of it, the only ultimate matter is truth, which is the very breath of life. All activities should be centered on truth. That's why Jesus confessed himself to be the way, the truth and the life. He came to the earth to bring forth the truth. We can all become truth by living truthfully and faithfully with love and compassion.

 Let's sincerely pray and hope that all politicians, educators, religious leaders, and community people can be truthful enough to witness the truth in their daily lives. Money, success, honor, and reputation come and go like the passing wind. Let's not chase them but strive for witnessing the truth.

 

Only a day

 

Though far away

Though rugged

 

I'm glad you're

Here with me

 

Following your light

I live only a day

 

Following you, the truth

I'll live only a day

 

Only a day

One day, I'll live

The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ Oct. 20, 2003