The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
A Month with Gokhale—II explained
Gandhi recounts his interactions with Christian Indians in Calcutta, including a visit to Babu Kalicharan Banerji, and his visit to the Kali temple where he witnesses animal sacrifice, which deeply disturbs him and reinforces his commitment
What happens
Gandhi recounts his interactions with Christian Indians in Calcutta, including a visit to Babu Kalicharan Banerji, and his visit to the Kali temple where he witnesses animal sacrifice, which deeply disturbs him and reinforces his commitment to nonviolence and self-purification.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Gandhi’s physical…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Nonviolence and Satyagraha
Gandhi's visceral reaction to animal sacrifice at the Kali temple underscores his deepening commitment to nonviolence and protection of all creatures.
- Religion and Interfaith Dialogue
Gandhi's meeting with Kalicharan Banerji explores Christian doctrines versus Hindu bhakti-marga, highlighting his search for spiritual truth across faiths.
- Self-Discipline and Simplicity
Gandhi's preference for walking and his observation of Kalicharan Banerji's simple dress reflect his growing embrace of simplicity.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Narrates his experiences in Calcutta, including meeting Christian Indians and visiting the Kali temple.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Gandhi stays at Gokhale's home and discusses meeting Kalicharan Banerji.
- Mr. Coates
Referenced as a Christian friend from South Africa who influenced Gandhi's interest in meeting Christian Indians.
Key passages
“I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man.”
Gandhi believes that the most vulnerable beings deserve the greatest protection from human cruelty.
Reflects his ethical stance on animal welfare and nonviolence.
“I must go through more self-purification and sacrifice, before I can hope to save these lambs from this unholy sacrifice.”
Gandhi acknowledges that he needs further personal purification and sacrifice to effectively advocate against animal sacrifice.
Highlights his commitment to self-improvement as a prerequisite for social reform.
