Know to Enlighten

Author(s): Rajyashsuri
Publisher: Rajyashsuriji

Page 11

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NON-VIOLENCE PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS
Nothing is higher than the highest mountain, deeper than ocean, wider than sky. Likewise, no religion is greater than non-violence which is the mother of world giving bliss and love. Non-violence, truthfulness, not to steal, celibacy. Non-possession are such virtues that no religion in the world can deny. Non-violence is the nectar of 18 Purans and is the highest way of earning virtues (Vyas).
Whether one may belong to any country, society, caste or creed, no one will dare to say that "to tell a lie" is a religion. Then, how one can say "Violence to be a religion ?" Though external ways of any religion may differ, internal religion of all souls are equal i.e. right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.
In some religions, "Yagna" is performed to propitiate Gods, here animals are sacrificed. Then a question arises : Is violence a religion ? According to Mahabharat Shantiparva, Moksha Dharmadhikar in Chapter 99, St 20," it completely denies the animal sacrifice for the Yagna and states non-violence as the complete religion. Violence destroys penance and I am telling you the real religion of 'non-violence' which was told by the truth speakers."
Shri Bhagwat, Vishnu Puran, Padma Puran, Brahma Vaivart Puran and Padmottar kand of Shabda Kalpa druma, all these scriptures have criticised violence for Yagna and have shown the hell as its results and emphasised that saving any living being is equal to saving the universe. Similarly, Bhagwat, Pashupat, Sankhya and Buddha each believed that non-violence should be given the first preference.
Then what is non-violence ? Meaning of non-violence is to stop violence. This is the negative meaning. Friendliness towards universe, to think about welfare and betterment of mankind, politeness & softness of one's heart, by looking to violent people, is the positive meaning of non-violence.
If one will check the heart of person, surely he will find mercy. Even if the butcher sees two dogs quarrelling, he will feel mercy towards the weaker one.
Saint Tulsi says: "Mercy to others is mercy to your-self." If you will not kill anybody, no body will kill you." Yajurved states: "We look world like friends. Mercy for all souls is one among the seven tirths of Skand Puran which is hailed most important because it produces mental purity." Bhagwat Gita also emphasises "One who regards all souls alike and love them as equally to himself is a real observer." Famous Hindu Saint of Gujarat 'Narsinha Mehta' stated "One who knows the feelings and Pains of others is the real follower of Vishnu." Saint Tulsidas proclaimed "root of religion is mercy and root of sin is pride. Don't leave mercy until soul is in the body."
If mercy is natural, then what forces a man to become violent? Environment, present birth, Sanskar of previous births, revenge, opposite faith and taste of tongue etc. force him to become violent.
Food is one of the main factors on which behaviour of human beings depends, some are FASTIDIOUS about food. They eat any thing and every thing they like. In this connection, vegetarian food controls the behaviour of eaters, whereas non-Vegetarian food only adds the sense of cruelty and sinfulness. Purity of food helps to lead
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