Connecting to Something Larger

“In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness.” Mohandas Gandhi

Many leaders of nonviolent resistance felt inspired by a connection to something beyond them. To some, that something was God, called by various names. They tried to listen to God through prayer. To others, it was not so particularly religious. They might spend time in reflection or meditation. All these people believed that quiet time was essential to remain focused and effective. For Gandhi, Martin Luther King and others, even time in jail was seen as a kind of gift, because it offered an opportunity for reflection and rest.

Throughout history, great nonviolent movements have drawn strength from the religions of the world, all of which have teachings advocating nonviolence. Gandhi was influenced by Hinduism. Thich Nhat Hanh and Aung San Suu Kyi are practicing Buddhists. Muhammad Ali took his antiwar stance from his belief in Islam and his reading of the Koran. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez, Maired Corrigan and Betty Williams, the Mothers of the Disappeared, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu were all inspired by their Christian faith.

Through prayer, reflection, meditation and other forms of listening, activists try to fill themselves with spiritual power. They hope to transform themselves and let themselves be guided by the spirit of nonviolence. “Our prayer is a heart search,” Gandhi said. He believed that, “properly understood and applied, (prayer) is the most potent instrument of action.”