Training in Nonviolence

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

Page 55

Foundation of Training in Nonviolence
The Basic Unity of Mankind
The basic unity of all the people of the world should not be disregarded while considering the usefulness of the territorial integrity and independence of each nation. The instincts of self-aggrandizement and over ambition prove subversive of world unity. Of course, man has not yet developed enough to be able to practise equity and justice in his treatment of others. This keeps the regional and geographical divides in the world alive. Extirpation of geographical boundaries is not a prerequisite to the creation of a nonviolent society. But it is imperative that these boundaries are not allowed to snap the tender threads of humanity.
TRAINING IN NONVIOLENCE: THE BASIC ELEMENT The basic element of training in nonviolence is a change of heart 'or mental training. The following specific principled formulas are required to be part of the training for bringing about a change of heart. Factors causing violence effects 1. Greed
Tendency to acquire 2. Fear
Manufacture and use of armaments 3. Hostility
Tendency to take revenge 4. Anger
Internecine quarrels 5. Egoism
Hatred and discrimination based on considerations
of caste and colour 6. Cruelty
Exploitation and killing 7. Intolerance
Sectarian Strife 8. Absolute
Obduracy as opposed to tendency to disregard the
relative views of others. 9. Absolute behaviour Tendency to practise non-cooperation in communal
life. These instincts turn people violent. Change of heart means overcoming these instincts and cultivating new refined habits instead. Formulas of mental training
The antidote to greed
Training in freeing oneself from the infatuation for material objects and the body.
The antidote to fear
Training in cultivating fearlessness and in strengthening the will not to manufacture or trade in armaments.
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