Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/916

 and cannot hear things which invade their ears. There is thus no knowing what this power-intoxicated Government may not do. So it seemed to me that patriotic men ought to be prepared for death, imprisonment and similar eventualities.

The brave meet death with a smile on their lips, but they are circumspect all the same, There is no room for foolhardiness in this non-violent war. We do not propose to go to gaol or to die by an immoral act. We must mount the gallows while resisting the oppressive laws of this Government.

HINDUISM

In dealing with the problem of untouchability during the Madras tour, I have asserted my claim to being a Sanatani Hindu with greater emphasis than hitherto, and yet there are things which are commonly done in the name of Hinduism, which I disregard. I have no desire to be called a Sanatani Hindu or any other if I am not such. And I have certainly no desire to steal in a reform or an abuse under cover of a great faith.

It is therefore necessary for me once for all distinctily to give my meaning of Sanatani Hinduism. The word Sanabana I use in its natural sense.

I call myself a Santani Hindu, because—

(I) I believe in the Vedas, the Upanishada, the Puranas and all that goes by the name Hindu scriptures, and therefore in avataras and re-birth,