2. Non-Violence - Ahimsa
Purport: Violence to the innocent is a terrible sin.
Commentary:
One is apt to remark that no decent individual indulges in violence
to the innocent. However, violence to the innocent has a much wider
connotation than it might apparently warrant. AHIMSA (nonviolence)
is much more comprehensive than what it is considered to be in
common parlance. We have to observe Ahimsa in thought, word and
deed. Refusal to inflict willful injury or pain on any living being
is Ahimsa.
Before any Yogic discipline can seriously begin the science of Yoga
ordains Ahimsa in thought, word and deed. If the mind is full of
hatred it will manifest violence. Hence, control over passions is a
necessary prerequisite for a happy life. Violence in thought
precedes violence in action and therefore has to be avoided. Yoga
deals with inhibiting the outgoing tendencies of the mind and is
thus concerned with reducing or eliminating all factors that lead to
the disturbance of the mind. The load of anxiety and tension has to
be eliminated. Unless the tendency towards disturbance is reduced no
true spiritual practice can begin. When we attempt to tackle the
cruder aspects of these mental attitudes the subtler aspects begin
to dawn on us. We then have to direct our efforts towards
eliminating the subtler aspects.
The practice of AHIMSA establishes us in an attitude of love towards
all. We first cognize the unity of life and then pattern our
behavior accordingly. AHIMSA means “Love thy neighbor as thyself”.
AHIMSA is termed total virtue in ancient wisdom. The meaning is
stretched further in include, “One who neglects to help others in
any situation is committing injury.” AHIMSA is the removal of desire
to injure or to inflict pain by thought, word or deed.
People resort to violence because they believe that violent methods
bring quick results. This is an expression of disharmony between
mind and intellect. Violence brings in its train many calamities
which the clouded intellect has never thought of. If we reduce the
urge to seek happiness through the gratification of more and more
desires the tendency towards violence will be curbed. In ancient
times this was practiced on an individual scale. In the space age
this will have to be practiced on a mass
scale if we wish to survive.
Buddha laid stress on AHIMSA as the virtue of all virtues. The first
of his ten precepts (KUSALAS) states, “You shall kill no creature.
You shall have regard for all life”
Mahavira, the great contemporary of Buddha, made the tenet of AHIMSA
the focal point of his teachings. His teachings which are presently
known as Jainism prescribe a moral code called ANUVRATAS. AHIMSA is
the focal point around which all the conduct of a Jain is woven.
AHIMSA means not to injure any creature by thought, word or deed,
directly or through an agent.
Advance in physical sciences has simultaneously landed us in the
midst of nuclear armory. It has the potential to destroy human
existence from the planet. In the age of mass production fear has
assumed mass proportions. Hence, a little love and a little hate
will no longer work. It will have to be total love. Violent methods
to bring about peace belong to an age which is past. AHIMSA is no
more a mere slogan to be hurled out during spiritual discourses. It
is the poignant need of the time.
Practice of AHIMSA in thought, word and deed destroys the seeds of
jealousy. A little observation will show us that people who have
risen high in worldly scales are steeped in jealousy. They are as
far away from the “Kingdom of Heaven within you” as are others who
are not so successful in worldly affairs.
St. Francis of Assisi was asked, “How shall I love my neighbor?” He
replied three times, “Love thy neighbor”. Once we make a beginning
to inculcate this virtue our intellect is purified. Our power of
discernment between right and wrong gets sharpened. This strengthens
our effort to do the right thing under any circumstances. People who
have not attempted to practice this virtue in life sometimes indulge
in imaginary dialectic about hypothetical cases when this virtue
cannot be practiced. Shar-pened power of discernment will guide us
on all occasions.
“When one is truly established in non-violence, hostility disappears
in his presence.” —Patanjali Yoga Sutras II-35
AHIMSA is not mere harmlessness. It is dynamic love. With sufficient
practice it automatically puts us into the state of “Love thy
neighbor as thyself”. A person steeped in this virtue is compassion
and mercy personified. He emanates holy vibrations which catch up
with others. He becomes attuned to all life. He spreads and instills
love in others. Those who come near him drop their fangs of venom
and become enamored within his aura. Any person who approaches him
with evil intent is calmed down and becomes harmless. This brief
rendezvous leaves an indelible mark on the visitor and he is
uplifted. Love is a force which binds all life and when one is
imbued with love his consciousness becomes attuned to all life. By
practice of AHIMSA one can delve deep into the mystery of life and
bliss reigns supreme. These achievements are not mere baby talk.
They have been experienced by all Yogis in all parts of the world.
Even a beast of prey sheds its ferocity when it comes into the orbit
of holy vibrations that are concomitant to this state. One may ask,
“Is such practice of AHIMSA within the reach of each aspirant to the
Kingdom of Heaven?” This is beside the point. That this potency
could be impinged on the atmosphere is demonstrable. This is Peace
which passeth understanding.
“But I say unto you love your enemies ... and pray for them which
despitefully use you and persecute you.”--Matthew 5:44
If you ignore the above command, you simply pass the initiative into
someone else's hands.
Om Tat Sat!