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of soul irrespective of differing forms of living creatures ranging from human beings to animals, insects and plants.
Human beings have a special responsibility in this regard, which in some ways have been callously neglected by them. Human beings must bring out humanity towards other fellow beings and the Nature and thereby achieve oneness with life. The rationale behind the positive principle and earnest practice of Ahimsa is the basic equality of all living elements. Mahavir has observed:
"Not to kill or hurt any living being is the quintessence of all wisdom. One must realize that non-violence and
equality are essentials of 'Dharma".
Acharya Amitagati in his famous work “Samayika Patha” wrote as early as 11th century A.D.:
सत्त्वेसु मैत्री गुणिसु प्रमोदं क्लिष्टेसु जीवेसु कृपापरत्वम् मध्यस्थभावं विपरीतवृत्तौ सदा ममात्मा विदधातु देव ।
“Friendship towards all beings, respect for the qualities of virtuous persons, utmost compassion for the suffering people and equanimity towards those who may be hostile. May my soul have always had this
feeling"
Non-violence has an abiding relevance to the preservation and furthering of the civilizing values and lofty traditions of humanity. Humanity young or old, rich or poor, strong or weak must realize that non-violence is a sine qua non of justice, equality and democracy. Violent behaviour reinforced by cruelty and terrorism is rendering all the gains of progress devoid of any meaning and content.
Exploitation - mental as well as physical, political as well as economic, social as well as racial, will tend to perpetuate itself so long as we allow violence to sharpen its cutting edges, and let our
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner * (196)
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