On Friday, February 8, 2019, New Acropolis Biarritz (France) celebrated 150 Years of Gandhi, warrior of peace with Fernand Schwarz, Founder of New Acropolis in France.

With 115 people present, Gandhi’s philosophy was explored including the concept of Nonviolence which is rooted in a more fundamental struggle, that of self-control or Swaraj (“swa” meaning “self” and “raj” governing). This mastery of our emotions, our drives and our fatigue, whether physical or moral, is what makes us responsible for our actions. But for what purpose do we want to act? The Warrior of Peace is the one who chooses to serve a righteous cause, which goes beyond the egocentric preoccupations, and which Gandhi called Satyagraha (“satya” meaning truth and “graha” hanging). This action must be harmless or Ahimsa, because a just cause, in accordance with the laws of the universe, the Dharma, can not cause harm to anyone.

As a reminder of his principles, Gandhi ended his days reciting a prayer, and it was with these words that the conference was closed: “Remind me, Lord, that failure is the experience that precedes the triumph!”