Ahimsa is not Religion It is way of Life

Author(s): Clare Rosenfield, Linda Segall
Publisher: Clare Rosenfield and Linda Segall

Page 10

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE
OF REVERENCE FOR ALL LIFE
More than twenty-five hundred years ago, Mahavira made a simple yet profound statement, based on the absorption of Non-Violence into the fabric of his consciousness. He realized, "All of life is just like me. I want to live. So do all souls, all living beings. The instinct of self-preservation is universal. Every animate being clings to life and fears death. Each of us wants to be free from pain. So let me carry out all of my activities with great care not to be harmful to any living being."
The philosophy of Non-Violence is a living practice. More than refraining from violence, it is a deep Reverence for All Life. It starts by cultivating a genuine respect for oneself-one's consciousness or life force, and for each of its supportive elements—the body, mind and emotions. We come to realize that our life force is precious and that we are here to respect and reveal its innate wisdom. It is a process of taking care of both our inner being and the material envelope in which it dwells. Like a mother nurturing the development of her child, we do what is healthful and helpful for our spiritual growth.
Most of us are not used to treating ourselves with gentleness and love. It requires a conscious decision. The practice of Reverence for All Life begins with a decision not to take any hurtful influence into our body or mind. This is called samvara, stoppage, or stepping apart from the rat race, discontinuing paincreating habits, and re-evaluating one's life.
9