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All these and other debates, including those about the formation and history of this concept, are best left to the academics. We should simply judge it on its possible efficacy as a tool for social harmony and peace. When a doctor prescribes a medicine, a patient thinks only of its efficacy as a cure for his suffering; he does not ponder questions about the inventor of the medicine, or the date of its invention, or the theory at the back of its invention, and so on.
Most of the leaders and many of the movements working towards peace concentrate on solving the gravest problems. This is due to the fact that it brings greater glory. We should, in fact, tackle small problems first and let the solution to greater problems evolve on their own.
If we strive for peace and are sincere about spread of peace, we should not derive satisfaction from the increase of the strength, popularity and glory of our own group. This ultimately leads to conflict and violence. We should instead derive satisfaction in the overall progress towards peace brought about by the efforts of all groups working on the path of peace. The moment we think that the path followed by us is the best if not the only path towards peace, we are laying foundations for future conflict and violence, no matter how non-violent the method may appear.
Ahimsa is gradually becoming an excessively talked about topic. This is not surprising in times of increasing violence, but the alarming thing is that there is an upsurge in the number of talkers and fall in the number of example-setters. If someone is really sincere and serious in his concern about spread of violence and wants to do something on the Ahimsa front, he should stop preaching in words and start preaching in action. Preaching in action is to set an example by follow
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AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE Jain Education International
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