Non Violence

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Foundation

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Ahimsa
Ahimsa
Questioner : Can we become instrumental in stopping violence against humans, animals and other living entities when their suffering has come as a result of their own karma?
Dadashri : Regardless of the consequences of their karma, if you do not try to stop violence, it is tantamount to encouraging it. So try to stop it.
If you see a wounded person, you should stop to help him. Do whatever you can to help him. Even though he is suffering because of his past karma, you should still maintain your intent of non-violence. If on the other hand, you do not stop to help him, you will bind karma because of his negative intent towards you. This world will not liberate you. You have to liberate yourself.
Questioner : But Dada, ultimately these are all accounts and consequences of past karma, are they not?
Dadashri : Yes, they are, but you can only say so after the fact. If you dismiss them as karmic accounts beforehand, things are likely to be ruined. If a so-called 'ascetic' were to come to your village to abduct your children, you must try to stop him. You would be grieved if your child was kidnapped. By the same token you should feel deep sorrow for the slaughtering of animals and oppose it. How will you accomplish the task otherwise? You cannot remain apathetic and do nothing. You can regard it as the consequence of past accounts, but even the Lord was opposed to such violence. Therefore you should collectively show your opposition towards it and unite against it. In doing so, you are not really opposing violence, but you are expressing your non-violent intent. A safe-haven for cows established by Lord Krishna
Questioner: Is it imperative for those interested in making spiritual progress to make an effort towards stopping violence? If so, how can that be achieved?
Dadashri : If one is desirous of spiritual progress but makes no effort to stop violence, then it is the same as encouraging violence. All spiritual aspirations must be coupled with efforts to stop violence.
Questioner : Why is there no awareness to prevent gross visible violence under such circumstances?
Many domestic animals were being slaughtered during Lord Krishna's time. What did Lord Krishna do to stop this? People say that he raised the Govardhan Mountain on his fingertip. Govardhan means to increase the population of cows. This is a metaphor for what He really did, which was to singlehandedly save the cows from being slaughtered. People in India depend on domestic animals for their livelihood. Lord Krishna's aim was to protect these animals and increase their population and so He established shelters for cows, which in turn led to an increase in dairy production. He did this single-handedly, hence the symbolism. It is not necessary to protect animals that are violent, like cats, dogs and carnivorous animals. No one uses them as their food. Cows need protection because they provide food for humans. Therefore protection and propagation of cows is a worthwhile cause.
Dadashri : It is absolutely necessary to prevent all such violence. You have to make every effort to do this. If necessary, you should organize groups and elect people to represent your cause to the government. This will yield stronger results. Everyone should have strong feelings against violence. These feelings have to be strengthened and encouraged.