Mahatma Gandhi
Through Gandhi's writings, the reader learns more about this famous person. He wasn't always the man that common people know about; before, he was an impressionable man with a painful life. He was married young to his wife, at the age of thirteen. His father's death catalyzed his growth into a powerful public figure. He went to law school and studied law, philosophy, and religion, becoming committed to non-violence and justice.
Arjuna, from Bhagavad Gita
The story of Arjuna is influential in Gandhi's life. When Gandhi read Bhagavad Gita, he came away with a refreshed sense of action and violence. Arjuna is a prophet of Krishna who is set in an unwinnable battle against his own family. Through prophecy on the battlefield, Arjuna learns from Krishna that in this human life, there is only one choice; to do one's fate (dharma) or to sin by committing wrong action or by not committing any action at all. This commitment to action led to Gandhi's commitment that his life would be fated for something, but instead of learning violent action, he learned to do what he could by non-violence instead.
Jesus Christ
Gandhi is also highly influenced by Jesus Christ, especially his moral and ethical teachings. Gospel sermons like the famous Sermon on the Mount served Gandhi in several ways; firstly, it taught him an approach to ethics that is rooted in social justice, since Jesus's teachings are typically very others-centric, pushing followers to look past the selfish desire of their ego; secondly, Gandhi realized that the Christian culture that dominated England was essentially out-of-line with their religious instruction from Jesus.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Mahatma Gandhi had perceived Gopal Krishna Gokhale as his political teacher. Gandhi had filled a part of his Autobiography with the relation he had with Gokhale. We can say that Gokhale's Political life had a major impact on Gandhi. Gandhi derived inspiration from Gokhale in aspects of politics. The values on which Gandhi cherished had origins to the teachings of Gokhale. Gandhi used to turn towards Gokhale at hard times for Advise. Gandhi had inculcated qualities of self-determination, Hard-work and Values of Life from Gokhale. Hence, Gokale can be regarded as reliable friend and Political Teacher of Gandhi.
