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7.8] The nature of violence becomes clear after acknowledging both as independent (separate) forms of violence and understanding the faults associated with both in the aforementioned manner. The answer to the question arises: Are these two kinds of violence similar to the category of violence caused by unrestrained karma, or are they of a different type? It also becomes evident that even if the gross eye cannot see, in a fundamental sense, unrestrained karma is indeed a type of violence that leads to destruction of life, and only the destruction of life is not sufficient to fall into that category of violence.
Question - If unrestrained karma is the root cause of the faults in violence, then the explanation of violence would be sufficient with 'unrestrained karma is violence.' If that is so, a natural question arises as to why 'destruction of life' is included in the explanation of violence?
Answer - Fundamentally, unrestrained karma is violence, but it is not entirely possible for the community to abandon it. Conversely, even though it is gross, abandonment of the act of killing is desirable for the welfare of communal life, and this is largely possible. Even if unrestrained karma remains, usually the reduction of gross acts of killing leads to peace and happiness in community life. According to the progression of non-violence, the community first abandons gross life destruction and gradually moves towards the abandonment of unrestrained karma. Hence, even though the abandonment of unrestrained karma is considered beneficial for spiritual development, gross destruction of life is included under the definition of violence from the perspective of communal life, and its abandonment is also categorized under non-violence.
Question - It is true that the scholar states that overcoming what is termed as violence is non-violence. But what duties are essential for such a practitioner of non-violence from the perspective of life construction?
Answer - 1. Simplifying life and reducing necessities.
2. Regardless of how much ignorance might exist in human tendencies, there is certainly a place for knowledge according to one’s efforts. Therefore, it is necessary to remain alert at every moment, ensuring no mistakes occur, and if they do, to create a perspective such that they cannot be overlooked.
3. By aiming to reduce necessities and maintain resources.