पारमार्थिक अहिंसा का आधार

Summary

The text discusses the concept of ultimate non-violence (pāramārthika ahiṃsā) through historical anecdotes and philosophical reflections. It begins with a story about the cruel ruler Timur Lang, who asked a poet to value two slaves he had sentenced to death. The poet valued each slave at five hundred gold coins, but valued the ruler at only twenty-five coins, explaining that this was the value of his clothing, while the ruler himself had no value due to his cruelty, lack of compassion, and injustice. The text then reflects on how in the modern era, people desire others to follow their behavior and thoughts, but differing natures and ideas naturally lead to conflict and violence, often starting from minor causes like land or insults. It argues that violence stems from internal tensions—both agitation-based (anger, greed) and depression-based (despair, inactivity)—and from ego. The text describes two mental systems: one reacting with immediate anger, and another pausing for thoughtful, balanced response. A story about the Chinese philosopher Nanusini illustrates this: when a general angrily demanded to know what heaven and hell are, the sage provoked him further until the general calmed down, then explained that heaven and hell are within us. The text criticizes modern relationships based on utility, where violence erupts when self-interests clash, exemplified by a mother-in-law blaming her daughter-in-law for spilling ghee, but excusing herself for the same mistake. It concludes that ultimate non-violence is rooted in the soul and the principle of equality—recognizing that all beings experience pleasure and pain similarly, thus one should not cause suffering. This consciousness is essential for reducing societal violence, and recent spiritual journeys by Ācārya Mahāprajña and Ācārya Mahāśramaṇa have fostered social harmony.