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Metaphysics, Ethics and Spiritual Development
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bliss. Inactivity (purposeless inactivity) can never be such a source, however lofty be the conception or ideal on which it is based. Activity should not be impelled by passions and attachment. It should be impelled by universal compassion and friendliness. Such pure activity is the cause of liberation.
As stated earlier, the meaning of ahimsā (non-violence) is not only negative but positive also. Ahimsā (non-violence) means not only refrainment from violence but also compassion, affection, benevolence, and virtuous conduct. Like two sides of the same coin, refrainment and positive activity are also two aspects of good conduct or religion. Good conduct or religion consists in refrainment from evil activities as also in engagement in good activities. Thus religion is of the nature of both activity (engagement in good activity) and inactivity (refrainment from bad activity).
We should know that there are two aspects of good conduct, viz., removal of defects and cultivation of good qualities. The second aspect is impossible in the absence of the first. And the first aspect becomes aimless without the second one. Both these aspects are inseparably associated with one another. We should not neglect either of them. Refrainment and positive activity—these are two aspects of good con
t or religion. When both these aspects are present there, then alone is good conduct or religion complete. To be engaged in a virtuous activity means a prior refrainment from evil activities that are its opposite. Similarly, refrainment from an evil activity means engagement in virtuous activities that are its opposite. Engagement in virtuous activities implies refrainment from evil activities, and vice versa.
Thus in the cooperation of refrainment and positive activity lies the attainment of prosperity and spiritual welfare.
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