Journey Of Ahimsa

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust

Page 10

equals. Thus Bhagwan Mahavir's concept of non-violence is not an external thing but a way of life with a basis in mind and heart.
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम् Each living creature depends on another living creature. He subjected his concept of non-violence to a very rigorous test. He, along with his disciple Goshalak, visited a region Radh inhabited by a ruthless and murderous tribe. There he saw fierce dogs feeding on human flesh, but Mahavir did not use even a stick to ward of the bloodthirsty hounds. He wandered among the violent, barbaric tribe unarmed and spread the message of non-violence.
The moot question is - why are we celebrating this year as a Year- of Nonviolence? The reason is that violent forces today envelop humanity. Violence was there in the times of Mahavir too but then there was no alternative to it. Today we have with us the concept of non-violence and its practice has led to amazing results that are recorded in history. Ironically enough, we still resort to violence to solve our problem when
A Journey of Ahimsa
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