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INTRODUCTION
This treatise is a compendium of views on the doctrine of Non-violence by thinkers in India and elsewhere published in several recent books, essays and articles. It is an attempt to deal with the subject in a systematic manner and to relate it to the problems that confront us in our day-to-day life. In writing this treatise I have quoted passages from the writings of the Authors in their own style, and I thank all of them. Their names and works have been given in the Select Bibliography at the end of this book.
From times immemorial till the present day, concerned persons with an attitude of compassion and love towards all living beings have reflected on the pivotal doctrine of non-violence. The choice of selections from contemporary writers, the opinions expressed and conclusions drawn here on various aspects of the doctrine of non-violence are mine. The study of that principle is my avocation and the preparation of this treatise is the result of what I have read, noted down and reflected on, concerning the subject.
We see that in the past there has been a difference of degree in the observance of non-violence by those who have renounced and withdrawn from the world to lead an ascetic life and those who are involved in its ongoing life. Limitations have been placed on the observance of the law of non-violence by persons who are leading a mundane life as householders. To observe non-violence completely is the ideal of human life. But, as long as men must lead a mundane life,
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