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LIMITS IN EVERYDAY MUNDANE LIFE
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layman should be a good and successful citizen or ruler. A layman is not able to avoid completely, Hiṁsā which is committed in the exercise of one's profession such as a statesman, military commander, trader, artisan, agriculturist or industrialist, yet he is in a position to lead a non-violent life to the extent of his limitations, capacities, situation and circumstances in iife. Similarly, a layman cannot abstain from committing Hiṁsā in defence of person and property, while safeguarding against thieves, robbers, assailants, assassins and enemies, in meeting their aggression and in causing the least possible injury necessary in the circumstances in which he may find himself. Thus, it may be argued that a layman's practice of Himsā is not only quite consistent with but is helpful in achieving material progress and prosperity and national advanceinent. :
The law of non-violence can be practised while one is engaged in the daily transactions of life and in the everyday affairs of our common life. The rule of non-violence is practicable in all walks of life and in all spheres of social, national and international life. Even though a layman wants to lead a nonviolent way of life, he is required to resist tyranny, injustice and evil deeds and to counter-act the harm done by unsocial elements in a society. The central idea in the observance of Ahimsā by a layman is that one should not hesitate in the discharge of his duties as a soldier, worker, journalist, businessman, industrialist, ruler or administrator, all along in a nonviolent manner. Unless the activities of mind, speech
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