Religion Practice and Science of Non Violence

Author(s): O P Jaggi
Publisher: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt Ltd

Page 71

Practice of Non-Violence
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be so self-disciplined.
The launching of a non-violent resistance campaign needs many other things to be looked into thoroughly. Before the start of the campaign, the leaders ought to fully understand the society and the social forces working in it. Furthermore, they should seek personal rapport with the opponent as there is the outside chance that the issue at stake hinges on the intrusion of his private attitudes into his official actions, or on his ignorance of the situation etc. There is always a chance that courtesy, courage and honesty may win his respect and enable him to be accommodating towards the demands that are not basically against the system that he upholds. The opponent should be stripped of his fears and apprehensions. It is distinctly to the advantage of the satyagrahis if they can summon sufficient empathy to see matters from his point of view so that they can help him to see the situation as it actually is.
Throughout the campaign, mass demonstrations can serve as a convincing index of numerical strength. To get a maximum turn out, however, they should be wisely spaced, adequately publicized and imaginatively staged with full use of vivid symbols of the movements, purpose and unity as well as devices to amplify the message and boost morale, and to make unmistakably clear the fact that the leadership group and the cadres have the full support of the masses. Large numbers, however, are unwieldy and can lead to violent actions as well, unless properly trained and disciplined.
The rule to be always remembered about satyagraha is that it is never adopted abruptly and never till all other and milder methods have been tried.
As the satyagraha campaign proceeds the leaders should see that the objectives, strategy and tactics of the campaign are fully understood by the volunteers and the masses and that the movement is progressive. Side by side, a persistent search for avenues of co-operation with the opponent on honourable terms should be sought, without surrendering the essentials in negotiation and always insisting upon full agreement, if possible.
To promote the spirit of non-violent resistance among the Indian masses, Gandhi advocated the formation of the Peace Brigade whose members, according to him, should possess the qualifications that have, in general, been set forth before.