अहिंसा : विसंगतियों का समीचीन उपचार

Summary

The text discusses the concept of violence (hinsa) and non-violence (ahinsa), distinguishing between necessary violence (artha-hinsa) and unnecessary violence (anartha-hinsa). It argues that the starting point for abandoning violence should be avoiding unnecessary violence, as the real problem lies in unnecessary violence, not necessary violence. The text questions whether modern humans, sociologists, economists, and religious leaders are making this distinction or creating guidelines for necessary violence. It notes that while balanced diet charts exist for physical nourishment, no equivalent exists for mental nourishment, leading to a lack of clear distinction between necessary and unnecessary violence. The text criticizes the modern tendency to expand needs through scientific development and commercial thinking, which increases violence. It questions the appeal of non-violence when violence can provide comforts like soft shoes and cosmetics, while non-violence cannot. The text highlights the cruelty involved in killing animals like musk deer, elephants, and rhinoceroses for cosmetics, and frogs and monkeys for research. It argues that human superiority should not justify any action, and that development should mean controlling desires and expectations, not exploiting the undeveloped. The text presents Lord Mahavira's view that violence has two levels: necessary and unnecessary, and that humans, being developed, have the capacity to discern between them. It discusses how attachment to sensory pleasures and material wealth leads to mental stress, competition, and addiction to intoxicants, which in turn increase violence. The text suggests that meditation (dhyana) is a powerful tool for stress relief and avoiding the blind race for material possessions, and that it is a strong means for developing non-violence. It concludes by emphasizing the need to change lifestyle to reduce stress and violence, and the importance of maintaining cultural awareness and critical vision.