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RELIGION AND NON-VIOLENCE
The principle of Non-Violence takes an important place in
I all the religions of the world. Saints, ascetics and prophets of all religions have preached it all along. Some religions limit its practice to human beings; others encompass all living beings. Some consider it the highest virtue; others regard it as second only to social justice.
We will discuss the concept of Non-Violence held by different religions of the world. In the final analysis we have to see whether religion has acted as a force in curbing violence; or has it, rather resorted to violent means to achieve its religious ends.
Hinduism
The concept of non-violence (ahimsā) in the Hindu religion has differed from one period to another; there are differences of opinion about it among the different systems of philosophy as well.
The Vedic Aryans were essentially agricultural-pastoral people. They lived in village communities and spent most of their time in the open. They were deeply affected by the apparently mysterious working of awe-inspiring forces of nature. The shining stars which followed a fixed and regular course across the sky, to them, were the devas (the shining ones), the gods. So also were lightning, thunder, rain and fire. The dependence of human welfare on the mercy of these mysterious forces, naturally led the Aryans to propitiate and worship them.
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