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The capacity to perceive and conceive is a dormant tool having tremendous potential energy that can be used as a force to annihilate values or to foster and enhance them. We are at the top of the animal kingdom. The most and the best evolved of the species, we still have the animal within. The dividing line between beast and man is so fine that more often then not, while polishing our human traits, we involuntarily hone our bestial cunning and ferocity beyond even those of a beast.
Besides being the master of body, the brain is also the link between soul and body. The awareness of the entity life became possible only with the evolution of the human brain. It is this specialized and complex bio-instrument that can explore the inner depths and feel the presence of the life force pulsating within the ordinarily unfathomable void of inner space, where the two primordial forces of life and matter first interact. The awareness of the presence of that life force, the soul (chetan), is what launched the human being on the spiritual path of ultimate purity.
The inner discipline, attained through this attitude of diverting thoughts from evil to good helps aiming the inner forces in the right direction. No matter at what level one is Ahimsa is always helpful. Even if one is not at the level where spiritual heights are achievable, Ahimsa at least prevents from regression into the abominable world of beasts.
WAY.
AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE 57
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