Satyagraha facts for kids

Satyagraha (Sanskrit: सत्याग्रह satyāgraha) is a special way of fighting for what's right. It means using peaceful actions instead of violence. This idea was started by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, often called "Mahatma" Gandhi.

Gandhi used satyagraha during the Indian independence movement. He also used it earlier when he was in South Africa. The idea of satyagraha helped shape many other important movements. These include Nelson Mandela's fight against unfair rules in South Africa (called apartheid). It also inspired Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaigns during the civil rights movement in the United States. Someone who practices satyagraha is called a satyagrahi.

What is Satyagraha?

How Satyagraha Works

In most arguments or fights, people try to defeat their opponent. They want to stop the other side from reaching their goals. But in Satyagraha, the goal is different. Gandhi said the aim is to change the mind of the person doing wrong. It's not about forcing them to do something.

Winning with Satyagraha means working with the other side. The goal is to fix what is wrong together. The person doing wrong might not even realize they are doing something unfair. For satyagraha to work, the opponent's mind must change. They need to understand that they are stopping a goal that is fair and right.

Important Rules for Satyagrahis

Gandhi asked people who practiced satyagraha (the "satyagrahis") to follow certain rules. These rules helped them stay strong and peaceful.

Here are some of the main rules:

• Nonviolence: This is the most important rule. It means never using violence (ahimsa), even when facing violence.
• Truth: Satyagrahis must always be honest. They also need to live fully for what is true and fair.
• Not Stealing: Taking things that do not belong to you is against the rules.
• Self-Control: This means having control over your body and mind.
• Not Owning Too Much: Satyagrahis should not be greedy or try to own many things. This is different from being poor.
• Working Hard: They should do physical work or "bread-labor."
• Eating Simply: Not eating too much or eating unhealthy foods.
• Being Brave: Satyagrahis should not be afraid, even when facing danger.
• Respect for All Religions: Treating all faiths with equal respect.
• Peaceful Protests: Using methods like boycotts to fight unfairness. A boycott means refusing to buy from or deal with a person or group.
• Fairness for Everyone: Believing that no one should be treated as "untouchable." This means everyone should be treated equally, no matter their background or social group.

Gandhi also gave other important rules for a satyagrahi:

• They must have strong faith in God.
• They must believe in truth and non-violence. They also need to believe that people are good at heart.
• They must live a moral life. They should be ready to die or lose everything they own for their cause.
• They must wear and spin khadi (a type of hand-spun cloth).
• They must stay away from alcohol.
• They must follow all other rules Gandhi gave them.
• If they are put in jail, they must obey the jail rules. But they should not obey rules that are made to hurt their self-respect.

Images for kids

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  Gandhi leading the famous 1930 Salt March, a notable example of satyagraha.

See also

In Spanish: Satyagraha para niños