Part 1, Chapters 7 through 9 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 7: The Transformation

After reading John Ruskins' UNTO THIS LAST, Gandhi's life is forever changed. He decides to live the simple life of a farmer. Gandhi buys a large farm in Phoenix, Natal, where learning to live the austere life of self-control occupies him. Like his mother, he takes to fasting frequently. Gandhi's Hindu renunciation is the unselfishness of love. He ultimately learns to lose himself in the oneness of others.

At thirty-seven years of age, Gandhi decides to give up sex as a selfless act. Celibacy, or Bramacharya, has an important role in Hindu lore and life. Bramacharya includes restraint in sex, anger, diet and emotions. This decision by Gandhi is part of his transformation to a better, desireless individual. Clearing his mind and soul of personal needs and desires allows him to work for the...