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PROMOTING NON-VIOLENCE IN THOUGHT AND PRACTICE
Speech delivered at the International Conference on Ahimsa at Kankroli (Rajasthan, 1992) convened by Anuvrat Movement]
Non-violence is an integrated philosophy covering thought, word and deed. It stems from the concept of "Reverence of life". All forms of life and elements around them are for evolution and growth, and not destruction and devastation. The universe can prosper in moral and material terms by pursuing the path of mutually supportive coexistence. Mutual interdependence is not confined to human being alone. It is equally relevant to all living beings ranging from plants, vegetables and trees to minutest insects and birds.
In a truly universal concept, the elements of nature - the earth, the sky, the air, the water and the fire are intrinsically interwoven with all forms of life. All must cocxist and co-prosper in harmony with one another and not at the cost of one another. Nonviolence thus emerges as a universal culture rooted to the basic theme of survival, evolution, growth and full blossoming of life in all its splendour and variety in this planet of ours.
Non-violence also emerges as a universally applicable and valid democratic concept because it pins its faith in the plurality and equality of souls, irrespective of differing forms of living creatures ranging from man to animals, insects and plants. Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jain religion observed
“All living beings desire to live. They detest sorrow and death and want a long and happy life. Hence, one should not inflict pain on any creature, nor have any
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