Training in Nonviolence

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Anuvrat Global Organization

Page 37

Spiritual Development - a Must for Universal Peace
problem the problem of stress and depression cannot be solved. Mere medicines and hospitals cannot help us to get rid of diseases unless we think over the causes that give rise to them.
I plead for peace and nonviolence. I myself know very well that this cannot be accomplished merely through sermons, discourses and messages. A change may occur in our thoughts and beliefs, but it may turn out to be a short-lived impact. A thought that reaches the domain of our conscious mind only may not last long. Its impact on our mental attitude will be transitory until it is able to make its way into the unconscious mind. In order to transmit thoughts into the unconscious mind, we have to undergo rigorous practice. Without that it is not possible. Let us therefore think of practice and training. In the present system of education, great emphasis is placed on students' intellectual development. They are also learning strategies for technological development, but are not taught how to develop their emotional competence. Today training in ahimsa is not imparted to students. I believe that without training and practice mere discourses in ahimsa will degenerate into the futility of verbal exercise. It will fail to bring about any change in society. If we want to transform society, we will have to change our lifestyle and our way of working. The greatest solution lies in a self-restrained lifestyle. There is one main slogan of the Anuvrat Movement i.e. "Self-restraint is life."
In my opinion, the highest precept for solving the problem of the present is self-restraint. Today innumerable people are suffering on account of the unrestrained behaviour of some individuals. The lack of self-restraint on the part of one individual can make the lives of several individuals miserable. We should ponder over the question of self-restraint and self-control. We should not think of controlling others, but should think of controlling our emotions and awakening our inner consciousness. The more a person's inner consciousness is awakened, the more perfect will be the solution of the problem. We will not succeed if we try to find a solution on the external level only.
A boy came and lit the lamp. The saint asked, "Where has the light come from?" The boy blew the lamp out and put a counter question, "Where has the light gone?" No one knows from where the light comes and where it goes. It is a problem, and it is we who have to find a solution. We will also have to find a solution of the problem as to where unrest is coming from and where peace is going. Let us not continue to grapple with the problem and throw pebbles in the darkness, but we should move with the light and find out a solution. The way to the solution of the problem lies in a state of consciousness free from tension, fear and dogmatic insistence.
Let us practise pious thought and celebrate it with great joy. May this joy become our permanent attribute and may we succeed in collecting such resources as may make the future auspicious and prosperous.
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