________________
Practicability of Ahimsa (Non - violence)
• Raimal Sanghi
THE world is weary of hate, fear and have, no doubt with honest motives,
violence. We see that the fatigue achieved the desired aim by using brute which has overcome the world has not against them, have in their turn become benefitted humanity. Only it is through a prey to it. Good brought through force Ahimsa or non-violence as we may call it destroys individuality. that the world can be saved from the
Moral equivalent of Violence orgies of violence and war-fare. We have already seen the bankruptcy of violence
Non-violence is the moral equivalent to solve the problems of humanity which
of violence. Reason alone can do nothing. in turn has been threatened by violence.
Things of fundamental importance can be Yet there is nothing to be despaired and
secured not merely by satisfying reason, we can hope for a brilliant future, when
but by change of heart. The appeal of man will achieve peace and unity. But
reason is more to the head, but the this peace and unity will be attained only
opening up of the inner understanding in by following the paths laid down by the
man can only be attained by the change seers of old and not through pure intell
of heart. This change of heart can be ect of today. This path will be the path
achieved by an appeal to the higher spirit of love, cooperation and truth and non
of man which is possible by adopting the violence, where there is absolutely no
method of love and non-violence. room to fraud, hatred, distrust, deceit, Non-violence may be defined as nonfalsehood and all the ugly broods of injury to any body in thought, speech and violence.
action (#781, 9191, #HUI) A non-violent The methods of Himsa to solve our
othods of Himsa to solve our man looks upon all beings including problems are intended to exert pressure animals, insects and birds with equal comwhich is insane and full of anger and
passion. He is ever ready to undergo any illwill, but this pressure is ineffec. hardship to save others from pains tive, as it is not based on goodwill and for the welfare of others. He looks and gentleness, since violence appears to to the whole humanity as one family and be used to achieve quick results, but they is always ready to behave with others. rarely turn out to be the results really as he would with his own kiths and kins. desired. The good which is sought through His guiding principle in this regard is is can never be permanent. History "atra FG a ' i.e., "the whole universe supplies ample proof of it that those who is his family." He cannot even imagine
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org