Training in Nonviolence

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

Page 76

Training in Nonviolence
2. Transformation of the Heart
The second part of nonviolence training is most important. We believe that there are psychic centres in the human body, which if activated by yogic and meditative postures, can bring about a permanent attitudinal change in children. What is essential is a change of heart. Mere lectures do not succeed in effecting a psychological transformation among the young and the old people. There are five basic precepts for the transformation of human heart. 1. Development of Self-discipline - Controlling Impulsive Impetuosity
Development of Fearlessness 3. Development of Tolerance
Development of Compassion 5. Development of Humility The following practical exercises go a long way in the transformation of human heart: 1. Kayotsarg (deep relaxation)
Perception of Breathing Perception of the Body
Perception and Concentration on Psychic Centres 5. ANUPREKSHA (contemplative meditation) We have trained masters who expose the trainees to various meditative postures and teach them how to breathe. Breathing exercises play an important role in pacifying the passionate state of human nature. Please see detailed exercises
in Chapter 16. 3. Nonviolent Lifestyle
The third part of nonviolence training is the development of nonviolent lifestyle. When a student begins to feel inclined towards a culture of ahimsa after his exposition to its theory and practice, he is supposed to adopt a nonviolent lifestyle embedded in self-restraint for the rest of his life. The essential ingredients of nonviolent lifestyle are as follows: 1. Abstinence from unnecessary violence
Abstinence from killing innocent human beings Abstinence from committing aggression Abstinence from participation in violent agitations and destructive activities
Faith in human solidarity
70. Jain Education International