अहिंसा: श्रेष्ठ जीवन-मूल्य

Summary

The text argues that non-violence (ahimsa) is the most effective and enduring force, representing superior life values in civilization. It contrasts a pole of non-violence, embodied by Mahavira, Buddha, and Gandhi, with a pole of violence, exemplified by the destruction of the Buddha statues in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. Violence is described as being based on possession (parigraha), power, and global trade, whereas non-violence requires a spiritual foundation and a non-violent socio-economic structure. The text asserts that violence can kill but cannot change hearts or thoughts, and that non-violent revolution allows broader participation than violent revolution. While acknowledging that violence and anger are basic human tendencies and that some violence is unavoidable in industry and livelihood, it advocates for minimizing such violence. True non-violence is described as being in thought, word, and deed, and its practitioner is fearless. The text emphasizes that non-violence should be a daily practice and lifestyle, not just a concept. It discusses the psychological and physical benefits of non-violence, linking anger and stress to health problems like gallstones and arterial constriction. It calls for practical efforts to promote non-violent politics, economics, and education, and for controlling impulses and anger. The text advocates for increasing compassion, tolerance, and non-possessiveness (aparigraha), and for prioritizing community benefit over personal gain. It describes the path of non-violence as a difficult but true path, requiring strong willpower and a positive outlook. It uses the metaphor of four stonecutters building a temple to illustrate the importance of focusing on the ultimate goal. The text concludes by urging the promotion of a non-violent lifestyle and training to free the world from violence and tension, and by expressing confidence that all fragmented parts of society will eventually unite.