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Ahimsa Dharma (The Religion of Non-Violence)
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Unfortunately, we have considered these different paths as different religions and wasted our energies in proving that one path is superior to another. As a result, the main aim of these different paths to harmonize the society and to promote a healthy relationship between man and man has been ignored. The principal purpose of all religious preaching is not to persuade others to one's own way of thinking and living and not to substitute one form of belief for another. We should rather concern ourselves with what is universally accepted by all religions as the basis of life. In other words, we should not be interested in highlighting points of difference which distinguish one religion from another but our preoccupation should be to discover the 'common core' by all religions.
Though different religions hold divergent views about the nature of God, soul and the world, all of them essentially agree on certain principles to be followed in life - we should love our fellow human beings and strive for their happiness, we should refrain ourselves from committing any sin, we should be prepared to make sacrifices for the sake of others. These are some basic tenets which serve as the foundation of every religion. Att these cardinal ideas are encapsuled in a single word 'Ahimsā' i.e. Non-violence.
Non-violence -- the foundation of every religion
Ahiṁsā (Non-violence) in its truest sense does not only mean not to injure others but also embraces the universal law of love and compassion for all which is an indispensable feature for the existence of family, society, nation and the entire creation. A willingness to sacrifice our own interest for the sake of others makes the existence of society possible and Ahiṁsā is nothing but a call to give up our own self and to merge our own will into the wills of others. Ahimsais a true and unconditional surrender of our own identity for the welfare of others. Ahiṁsā is not a mere principle of a particular religion. It is in consonance with the true nature of all living beings.
No religion has ever preached Himsā i.e. violence. The basic aim of each religion is to promote fellowship, co-operation, happiness and mutual understanding in the society which can naver be achieved by treading the path of Hissä. That is why all religions have unanimously accepted Ahiṁsā as an ideal way of life.
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