International Jain Conference 1985 3rd Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 139

Ahimsa--Non-Violence
Sant Kirpal Singh
Ahimsa or non-injury to all living creatures, and more so to fellow beings, by thoughts, words and deeds--the injunction in this behalf being : "Injure not a human heart for it is the seat of God." It is an ennobling virtue that brings each one on par with his or her fellow beings and ultimately leads to the principle of the brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God. The cultivation of this virtue demands a broad development of toleration towards all, irrespective of their shortcomings and failures. To radiate the grand principle of the Family of Man on the divine ground of loving and compassionate desire for the well-being of all, costs very little but counts very much. A heart full of divine compassion is the abode of all virtues.
Jesus always preached the two cardinal virtues : (I) “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself” and (2) “Love Thine Enemies." Does that mean that it is out of timidity or weakness that one should love and forbear one's enemies ? No, there is something moral and divine that lies at the root of such an attitude.
So, love the sinner but hate the sin. Purity mainly lies in not thinking evil of others, in thought, word and deed. If you think good of others, you will radiate good. If you purify your mind you will purify the minds of others.
Never hurt anybody. We hurt others by thinking ill of them. We think ill of others, we scheme. This is worng, as thoughts are very potent. When yon think ill of others that reacts to them like a telegraphic wire. You may not be telling anybody anything but if you think of them, radiation is there.
When one thinks evil thoughts or commits an evil deed, it strengthens the forces of evil. Those who desire to belong to God should feed the sacred fire with the fuel of pure thoughts, good words and noble deeds.
Any time you feel overtaken with unloving thoughts towards anybody, you should report to the Simran of names and think of the Master. You should develop the Christ-like attitude. So the foremost thing is not to think evil, speak