Reverend Adela Torchia from the Diocese of New Westminster has written a new book about Gandhi.
Here is a synopsis:
This book deals with a Gandhian ethics of economics which helps us to reengage the religion and ecology debate, and to re-envision ecology’s more-with-less philosophy as an invitation to liberation rather than deprivation. Many world religions see creation and nature as sacred, and encourage a responsible rather than wasteful approach to the material world. While traditional asceticism has often been seen as life-negating, a Gandhian inspired neo-asceticism goes beyond kenosis towards a renewed appreciation of the beauty and joy of a life of less consumption, and greater compassion for all living beings. Spiritual masters have often taught the dangers of materialism, and such dangers have taken on new meaning in a 21st century ecological context. Last, but not least, this book recognizes the new paths towards better interreligious dialogue that have opened up as a result of a common concern for the ecological well-being of the earth.
For those who are not already asleep and thirst for more: the book can be yours for a mere $107.75, a price suggested by inspired neo-asceticism.
On the other hand, if, like me, you subscribe to the idea that Jeremiah 17:9 applies to everyone, even Gandhi, you might be more interested in this book about him; the author has avoided the dangers of materialism by charging the reader only $13.99 for the book.
As British historian Andrew Roberts points out in his review of the book, Gandhi was “was a sexual weirdo, a political incompetent and a fanatical faddist” who was a “ceaseless self-promoter”. He left his wife because he fell for a male body builder, an infatuation which did not prevent him, when in his 70s, from going to bed naked with his 17 year old niece whom he treated with gleefully sadistic disdain.
Other than that, he was an exemplary ascetic.
