Book Title: Ahimsa the Science of Peace
Author(s): Surendra Bothra
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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Page 183
________________ brain, or in the individual, society or politics, or in some other area such as economics. First, see the patient and his environment, then understand his weakness, and then seek the treatment. Of course, there are certain cures that are universally applicable and give an all-round health. These methods should be made active perpetually. Ahimsa is a feeling inspired and backed by strength. Anger and other such feelings are consequences of weakness. However, like weakness, power also has many guises. Generally speaking, a being is a combination of strength and weakness. Thus the directions his life takes multiply depending on various combinations of the intensities of this strength and weakness. This is the reason a control over strength and weakness is required. And this comes through discipline or self-control. Ahimsa appears to be the most efficient system of discipline. It is only a handful of people who follow the path of violence and promote violence. The larger majority who indulge in violence are mere followers on whom violence is thrust for one reason or another. In fact, it is easier to accept and follow the path of ahimsa than that of himsa, which involves comparatively larger physical, mental and financial resources. If efforts are made in the right direction, the influence of ahimsa can be spread in a much wider area. Violence is like a forest fire that consumes everything in its path. The best and most effective way to contain it is to dig trenches of ahimsa so that it comes in contact with a void alone. To fight himsa with ahimsa is easier said than done. The problem becomes all the more complex when it relates to society and nation. Individual decisions become easy when the problem is viewed with reference to an individual in iso AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE 140 For Private & Personal Use Only Jain Education International www.jainelibrary.org

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