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about gross physical activities, rather than the activities of mind, feelings, and soul.
Ultimately it is the impressions left inside the soul that are significant, as they are the only things that influence the soul in the higher path of purification. They are the only things one carries to the next life. Everything else is left behind, when the present fades into the past.
Looking from this ultimate viewpoint, violence becomes all the more subtle. Any transgression into the outer firmament by venturing out of one's own physical and mental borders triggers a chain of events which, if not controlled, results in violence.
From the social dimension of observing others, purity causes one to transcend into the individual world of observing the self and to strive for the purity of knowledge of self, or soul. Once this point is attained, the need to observe and refrain vanishes. With that purity, all the social concerns of compassion, fraternity, etc. become meaningless. Meaningless, not because they are wrong but because they are spontaneous, natural and integral parts of the purity. No efforts are required, no disciplines need be imposed. Pure soul is itself the embodiment of these positive feelings; it does not have to practice; it simply radiates these feelings.
The quality of our behaviour with individuals as well as groups depends on the level at which we comprehend the self, or soul. As our indulgence in soul increases, we continue to stir many unknown, and dormant parts of our brain. These are the areas responsible for our developing the finer qualities of equanimity, goodwill, compassion, etc. The true knowledge of self opens up the wellspring of all-round and spontaneous goodwill. AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE 103
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