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CONCLUSION
To interpret non-violence negatively and prohibitively as ‘not to be violent' only is an incomplete interpretation of this term that has much wider application. Along with this negative form there is also a positive form of non-violence, which finds expression in the form of mercy, kindness, compassion, friendship, charity, service, affection, etc., The volitions such as forgiveness, simplicity, mildness, etc., also fortify the positive or prescriptive form of non-violence. To be nonviolent is a basic quality of the soul and the basic quality is its nature. According to “Vatthusahāvo dhammo' the nature is nothing but dharma. Therefore non-violence is dharma. The basic attributes or nature must have a positive aspect. Therefore, it is essential to accept the positive form of non-violence.
Kindness is natural to living beings; it is clear from the quotation from the Dhavalā commentary. It can neither be taken as due to the fruition of any earlier bonded karma nor as a cause of any karmic bondage. Compassion is a sign of right vision in the absence of which liberation cannot be imagined. Compassion also results in the destruction of the conduct deluding karma. Out of the words that indicate the positive aspect of non-violence, mercy is in the forefront. It is a volitional concept and it has been propounded as the main part of dharma and a means of purification. It represents both – the right vision
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Positive Non-Violence
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