________________
14
Ahimsa
proportionate to the killing that takes place internally. There is an entire cosmos within you just as there is on the outside. So kill as much as you want to, but understand that the same destruction is taking place within you, for there is as much within the body as there is in the universe.
There are so many 'thieves and pickpockets' around that one is never safe. But if you never have a thought of picking someone's pocket or stealing from someone, then no one is going to steal from you. In the same token if instead of violence, you choose non-violence, you will not come across any circumstances of violence. That is the way of the world. If you understand this world just once, your problems will be solved.
The fault is of the entity that endorses
Questioner: During the rainy season when there is an abundance of mosquitoes and flies, the municipal authorities tell us to spray our houses with insecticide. Is that not a sin? But if we do not use the insecticide, there will be an outbreak of disease.
Dadashri: What is the difference between this and what Hitler did with his bombs? This is 'Hitler' on a very small scale.
Questioner: But we are talking about the whole town here!! It is filthy in the rainy season and there are flies and swarms of mosquitoes everywhere. The local authorities are forced to use insecticides.
Dadashri: What difference does it make to you what the municipal authorities do? You should simply have the intent not to kill. Your only intent should be: "It would be better if things were not so."
Ahimsa
15
Questioner: Then does the responsibility lie with those who carry out the work for the municipal authorities?
Dadashri : No. It does not concern them.
Questioner: Then who is responsible?
Dadashri : The workers merely carry out their orders, but the head officers who give the order would be liable.
Questioner: But for whose benefit do the officers give the orders?
Dadashri : They are simply doing their duty. It is not for
us.
Questioner: But we are the ones who file complaints about the nuisance of mosquitoes.
Dadashri : Those who do not wish to hurt do not file the complaint. Therefore they are not responsible. Those who complain are responsible. The liability therefore, falls on those who approve and endorse it.
Questioner: So is it dependent upon each individual's inner intent?
Dadashri : Yes, your inner intent will determine the degree of liability you incur.
Questioner: If a mouse or a bird dies in a water tank, the tank will need to be cleaned out and disinfected. Will the use of the disinfectants not kill all the living organisms in the tank? Who will be accountable for this sin? Is it the one who does the disinfecting or the one who makes others do it?
Dadashri : They are both responsible, but their intent