This is the first systematic study of Mohandas Gandhi's conception of religion and of his personal religious practices to be based on the ninety volumes of his Collected Works. With a constant awareness of chronology, it focuses on Gandhi's own statements, revealing the considerable development of his ideas within a lasting and consistent ideological and moral framework. This biography of Gandhi as a Hindu discloses how he was influenced by, and reacted to, Hindu traditions, and why the Hindu establishment rejected him.

J.T.F. Jordens now retired, was Visiting Fellow at the Faculty of Asian Studies at the Australian National University from 1990-95 and Dean from 1982-88.

Acknowledgements Introduction Preamble PART ONE: SOUTH AFRICA The Making of the Mahatma Bewildering Doubts, Convincing Answers, 1894-5 The First Definition of Hinduism PART TWO: INDIA: CONVICTIONS AND ATTITUDES 1921: A New Definition of Hinduism Facing the Gritty Reality of Hinduism The Persistence of Advaita Scriptural Authority and 'the Voice Within' Religious Pluralism PART THREE: INDIA: RELIGION IN ACTION The Ashram-Dweller Calling on the Divine Power The Potency of Perfect Chastity The Power of Fasting Never Enough Non-Violence The Passion to Serve Conclusion: A Homespun Shawl Notes Index