Mahatmaism

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]