I pass this sculpture of Gandhi in the southwest corner of Union Square Park. It has often offered me solace during times of emotional unrest, and reminded me of the power of peace. My google search revealed a fascinating article by Salmon Rushdie in Time Magazine.
I remember hearing someone speak about reading Gandhi's autobiography and being amazed that he was as filled with self-doubt as he was. The point of the speaker's reflection if I remember correctly was that Gandhi's doubt did not stop him. And our doubt shouldn't stop us.
I've over-simplified what was an extremely poignant thought, but it's preferable to over-complicating it, in my mind.
There are usually flowers and other offerings left at the sculpture's feet, which I imagine people must jump the gate to leave, because it's always locked.
A few weeks ago, communing with the sculpture really clarified a particularly difficult personal problem I was having. And I think it would be nice to stop throughout the day's minor turbulences and wonder what Gandhi would do in my shoes.
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