An Examination of Satyagraha as a Principle of Peace

Abstract

In a world that desperately needs peace more than ever, the principle of Satyagraha becomes not only important, but essential to achieve true and lasting peace. True peace, which is perfect, according to Thomas Aquinas, “cannot be achieved except where the appetite is directed to what is truly good”. This is the goal of humanity; however, this goal is elusive when justice is separated from peace. It is harmful when truth is sidelined in the pursuit of peace and even worse, when love is not made central in this goal. One philosophy of peacebuilding that reverses this anomaly is found embedded in Satyagraha. This paper aims to appraise and analyze this practical philosophy as the unfailing principle of peacemaking and peacebuilding.