In the Footsteps of Gandhi: Conversations With Spiritual Social Activists [Paperback]

Catherine Ingram (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1997

In the spring of 2003 there was a worldwide demonstration for nonviolence that was the largest in history. A growing number of people are studying the works of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and other nonviolent leaders as the world collectively seeks to abandon the use of weapons in resolving conflict. At a time when eloquent and inspiring voices for peace are relevant more than ever, In the Footsteps of Gandhi, profiles contemporary leaders in this struggle. Here are people whose positive work has been part of international news for decades—in topics ranging from AIDS, to apartheid, to the Israeli-Palestine conflict—all of whom embody the understanding that violence is not stopped by violence. Violence is only ended by love. This revised edition of Catherine Ingram's book features interviews with Mubarak Awad, Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, Cesar Chavez, H.H. The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Joan Baez, and others.

Editorial Reviews

Review

For Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of the activists interviewed here, politics and religion are "a seamless garment," and in various ways, this is true for all the people in this book of conversations. Some of them began with a spiritual path that led them eventually out into the world; others began by working toward social change and found that the spiritual dimension of their work deepened as they went along. At this point, the two strands have become so closely braided together as to be nearly indistinguishable. Catherine Ingram has chosen some of her personal heroes for these interesting conversations, a varied collection of people, each concerned with a different aspect of humankind's endlessly diverse suffering. We hear from the Dalai Lama about China's takeover of Tibet, from Cesar Chavez about the California farmworkers, from Mubarak Awad about the Palestinians, from Joanna Macy about the despair in all of us at the laying waste of the world. Some speakers are more eloquent than others - Gary Snyder, unsurprisingly, since he is a poet, as is Thich Nhat Hanh - but there is something moving or invigorating about each of them. Gandhi's powerful nonviolence is their inspiration, and it is heartening to hear from people who have the courage and humility that a deeply non-violent approach to social activism requires. -- From Independent Publisher

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Rupa & Co (February 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938077244
• ISBN-13: 978-0938077244
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #879,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read, January 6, 2004

By A Customer

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This review is from: In the Footsteps of Gandhi: Conversations With Spiritual Social Activists (Paperback)

Catherine Ingram's beautifully constructed book presents interviews of spiritual social activists that serve both as a historical record and, in our current world climate, an inspiring reminder that it is important to take action in line with our beliefs and principles, and that the word "spiritual" can include engaging oneself in crucial social and political issues that affect us all.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, January 4, 2007

By 

Richard A. Singer Jr. "Author of Eastern Wisd... (Grand Cayman, British West Indies) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: In the Footsteps of Gandhi: Conversations with Spiritual Social Activists (Paperback)

This book will inspire you to begin making the changes in the world that you desire to see. It includes inspirational and down to earth interviews with some of the greatest activists that ever lived. Always remember change is possible if we take action and pursue it with love. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching on an impressive array of modern social issues, January 12, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Footsteps of Gandhi: Conversations with Spiritual Social Activists (Paperback)

Now in a newly revised edition enhanced with a new foreword by Arun Gandhi, and featuring interviews with Mubarak Awad, Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, Cesar Chavez, H.H. The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Joan Baez, and others, In The Footsteps Of Gandhi: Conversations With Spiritual Social Activists is a collection of deeply contemplative and insightful essays written by a diverse roster of contemporary spiritual and social activists. Touching on an impressive array of modern social issues ranging from AIDS, to apartheid, to the Israel/Palestine conflict, and more, this seminal tribute to the power of (and desperate need for) nonviolence is emotionally moving, morally relevant, and enthusiastically recommended reading for anyone concerned with how best to address the rampant social issues of our time.