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## Examples of Violent Scriptures, the Fruit of Non-Violence
**Yoga Shastra, Second Light, Verses 50-53**
| **Verse** | **English Translation** |
|---|---|
| 50 | They are worshipped with flowers, fruits, etc. (and also with liquor, meat, etc.) and that too with the understanding of divinity. The reason for the violence of the said gods. The weapons, etc., that reside with them are a sign - that is, bow, staff, discus, sword, trident, and spear, etc. weapons. They reveal their violent nature. Even if they are not violent, the symbols like bow, etc., are speaking signs of violence. If they do not commit violence, then what is the need to keep weapons? Their possession of weapons is inappropriate. But it is famous in the world that Rudra is the bow-bearer, Yama is the staff-bearer, Vishnu is the holder of the discus and sword, Shiva is the trident-bearer, and Kartikeya is the spear-bearer. From the indication, one should also understand about other gods who are weapon-bearers. |
| 51 | Thus, having prohibited violence in detail, now in two verses, the glory of non-violence is described. Non-violence is like a mother, beneficial to all beings. Non-violence is the river that flows nectar in this world, which is like a desert. Non-violence is the cloud of the rainy season that quenches the fire of suffering, and for beings suffering from the disease of the cycle of birth and death, non-violence is the ultimate medicine. |
| 52 | Now the fruit of practicing non-violence is described. Long life, excellent form, health, praiseworthiness; all these are the good fruits of non-violence. What else to say? Non-violence, like the wish-fulfilling cow, gives all desired fruits. |
| 53 | Not understanding, stammering, stuttering, muteness, disease in the mouth, etc., are all the fruits of falsehood. Knowing this, one should abandon falsehood in matters like marriage, etc. |
**Explanation:**
* **Verse 50:** This verse discusses the contradiction between the violent imagery associated with deities and the Jain principle of non-violence (ahimsa). It argues that even if these deities do not actively engage in violence, their possession of weapons is a symbol of violence and therefore inappropriate.
* **Verse 51:** This verse highlights the benefits of non-violence, comparing it to a mother, a life-giving river, a rain-bearing cloud, and a cure for suffering.
* **Verse 52:** This verse emphasizes the positive consequences of practicing non-violence, including long life, good health, and fulfillment of desires.
* **Verse 53:** This verse warns against the negative consequences of falsehood, including speech impediments and diseases. It encourages the abandonment of falsehood, especially in matters like marriage.
**Jain Terms:**
* **Ahimsa:** Non-violence
* **Jina:** A liberated soul, a Tirthankara
* **Karma:** The law of action and reaction
* **Moksha:** Liberation from the cycle of birth and death
* **Tirthankara:** A spiritual teacher who establishes a new Jain tradition
**Note:** The translation attempts to preserve the Jain terms while conveying the meaning accurately.