Gandhi’s view of life emerges from a deep and creative engagement with the major Indian religious and philosophical traditions, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Rather than treating these traditions as rigid systems of belief, Gandhi approached them as living sources of ethical insight, drawing selectively from each to shape a practical philosophy oriented toward moral self-discipline, social justice, and spiritual growth. His thought reflects a synthesis in which metaphysical ideas are transformed into concrete principles guiding personal conduct and collective action. From Hinduism, Gandhi inherited the foundational framework of his worldview. The concept of dharma played a central role in shaping his understanding of moral duty. For Gandhi, dharma was not a fixed set of social obligations determined by birth or status, but an inner moral law that demanded truthfulness, responsibility, and self-restraint. This reinterpretation allowed him to critique oppressive social practices such as untouchability while remaining rooted in Hindu ethical language. Similarly, the Hindu idea of karma reinforced his belief in moral causation, encouraging personal accountability and ethical action without attachment to immediate results. Gandhi’s emphasis on selfless action echoes the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita, which he regarded as his spiritual dictionary. The Gita’s doctrine of nishkama karma, or action without desire for personal gain, shaped Gandhi’s insistence that true service requires renunciation of ego and rewards. The Upanishadic vision of the unity of all existence profoundly influenced Gandhi’s view of life. The idea that the same divine reality, or Brahman, pervades all beings supported his belief in the essential oneness of humanity. This metaphysical unity translated into an ethical commitment to equality, compassion, and respect for all life. Gandhi’s understanding of God as Truth reflects this influence; rather than a sectarian deity, God became a universal moral principle accessible through sincere striving. This perspective enabled Gandhi to transcend narrow religious boundaries while remaining deeply Hindu in spirit. His life of simplicity, self-control, and spiritual discipline also reflects the Hindu ideal of brahmacharya, which he expanded beyond celibacy to include control over desires in thought, word, and deed. Buddhism contributed significantly to the ethical and psychological dimensions of Gandhi’s philosophy. The Buddhist emphasis on compassion reinforced Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence as a way of life. While Hinduism provided metaphysical grounding, Buddhism sharpened Gandhi’s sensitivity to suffering and his resolve to alleviate it through moral action. The Four Noble Truths, particularly the recognition that suffering arises from desire and