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Certainly, one has to understand that non-violence and equality constitute eternal religion. Giving protection to living beings in fears of death is known as life charity, which is supreme amongst all charities. It is a duty toward self, toward family, toward society and toward humanity at large. The culture of non-violence originates from a rational mind and a pure heart. This is the path to contentment and mental peace. Enmity generates fear, which in turn weakens body and mind. The secret of good health, longevity and happiness lies in a life of non-violence.
Mahavira said, “Non-violence must begin in the mind.“
Mahavira put equal emphasis on violence of mind as that actual violence. Unless one is at ease in the inner world, one cannot practice non-violence in the external world. Non-violence of mind and speech leads to the non-violence of action. Ends cannot justify means. Means must be compatible with ends. The implications of non-violence are far wider; it is more than not doing violence, it is more than an attitude, it is a whole way of life. Non-violence is not just in act, at the level of thoughts and speech but also it consists in not even desiring to do wrong. Violence comes from ego; it does not belong to the soul. The hateful mind is also violence. Hate is subtle form of violence. Violence in thought is as bad as physical violence. Unless the mind is compassionate, non-violence is not possible. If the mind is condemning other people yet the tongue speaks sweet words, then that is not non-violence. The seeds of nonviolence live within the inner consciousness. Keeping consciousness pure is therefore an essential part of nonviolence. Pure consciousness means consciousness that
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