mahatmaism

1 definition found

mahatmaism - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Mahatma \Ma*hat"ma\, n. [Skr. mah[=a]tman, lit., great-souled,
     wise.] (Theosophy)
     One of a class of sages, or "adepts," reputed to have
     knowledge and powers of a higher order than those of ordinary
     men.
  
     Note: The title was popularly applied to Mohandas Karamchand
           Gandhi in tribute to his wisdom, though not implying
           any supernatural powers; he is thus often referred to
           as Mahatma Ghandi or The Mahatma. He was most noted for
           his advocacy of non-violence in resisting oppression,
           and played an important role in convincing Great
           Britain to grant independence to India and Pakistan. --
           Ma*hat"ma*ism, n.
           [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]