Observance of Truth was expected not only in speech but also in thought and in action. Satya, therefore, was the pivot of the life of an Ashramite. The three together form the word 'Sachhidananda' which is one of the epithets of the Supreme Being. On 'Sat' depends true knowledge, known in Sanskrit as 'Chit' and Bliss that is 'Ananda'. The word 'Satya' is from 'Sat', which means 'Being'.
Truth is the most important vow, being the very basis of all the others. Let us have a closer look at these vows and their observance: He wanted to include society in his spiritual efforts and so he gave a new dimension to the Five Great Vows and extended them into the remaining six. But Gandhiji was a 'Sadhaka' with a difference his 'Sadhana' did not end with himself. Tapa is considered necessary in all religions for elevating oneself spiritually, for control over desires, as a check upon an unruly mind and for paving the way to sacrifice for others - all these leading to Moksha. They were a part of 'Tapa' Austerity and Self - denial for Purification. In this context, the eleven were very important to him. That was his pilgrimage towards realization. Since he believed that service of man was the best way to realize God, he lived and died in the service of India, which in a mircrocosm, was the service of Mankind. His ultimate goal was Moksha or the realization of God. Essentially, however, Gandhi was a Sadhaka, one who was in search of God.
The image of Gandhiji in the minds of his contemporary Indians was that of a political leader - of one who brought Swarajya. The remaining six are somewhat new ideas that have been given the importance of vows to fulfill the need of the time. Of these eleven, the first five are found in most of the religions of the world and are called 'Pancha Mahavratas' - the Five great Vows. (7) Asvada-Control of Palate, (8) Abhaya-Fearlessness, (9) Sarva-Dharma-Samanatva- Equal respect for all Religions, (10) Swadeshi-Duty towards Neighbour and (11) Asprishyatanivarana - Removal of Untouchability. (1) Satya-Truth, (2) Ahimsa-Nonviolence, (3) Brahmacharya-Celibacy (4) Asteya-Non-stealing, (5) Aparigraha or Asangraha-Non-possession (6) Sharira-Shrama Physicallabour or Bread Labour. Any of us who has attended a prayer meeting at a Gandhian institute is likely to remember a chant beginning:-"Ahimsa Satya Asteya." The two verses beginning with these words enumerate the eleven vows that Gandhiji considered almost mandatory for the inmates of his Ashram, in Sabarmati as well as in Sevagram.
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