Ahimsa 110 Practice: Non-Violence in Daily Life and Character
By Sejal Shah (Ph.D.)
Summary
The article emphasizes the critical relevance of practicing non-violence (Ahimsa) in addressing global challenges like pollution, poverty, terrorism, and intolerance. Dr. Sejal Shah argues that mere advocacy for non-violence is insufficient; it must be actively integrated into daily life and character to form a culture of non-violence. The world faces a dilemma between violence and annihilation, making the adoption of non-violence urgent. Non-violence is defined as abstaining from harmful thoughts, speech, or actions toward all living beings, aligning with the Yogasutra principle of universal non-violence. The article highlights that truth and non-violence are interconnected, with truth’s manifestation benefiting both individuals and society. In Jainism, Ahimsa represents self-restraint in treating living beings, underscoring its eternal and practical significance. The piece calls for a deeper understanding and application of non-violence to ensure a better future for humanity.
Conclusion
The document underscores the urgent need for the practical application of ahimsa (non-violence) as a solution to global crises like pollution, poverty, terrorism, and intolerance. It argues that non-violence must be integrated into daily life and collective culture to avert humanity’s dilemma of choosing between violence and annihilation. The text emphasizes that non-violence requires conscious self-restraint in thoughts, speech, and actions, aligning with Jain principles like *sarvada sarvatha sarvabhutinam anbhidroh*. It asserts that truth and non-violence are interconnected, and their manifestation benefits both individuals and society. Ultimately, the document calls for a transformative shift toward non-violence to secure a sustainable and harmonious future.