2
Non-Violence
that you do not want to hurt any living being, and repent for the
times you cannot maintain it.
Questioner: Is it really possible to live in this world filled
with all kinds of living beings without hurting any one of them?
Can we satisfy every living being that surrounds us in every
circumstance?
Dadashri: Whoever desires to do so, can do it. If the goal
of ahimsa is not attained in one lifetime, it will be attained in two or
three lifetimes. If your goal and decision is firm and you maintain
ahimsa in your awareness, then absolute ahimsa is inevitable.
Non-Violence Prevails Over Violence
Questioner: What should you do to stop violence?
Dadashri: The intent of non-violence must arise
continuously from within. Lord Mahavir has left behind a very
clear distinction between violence and non-violence. He knew
that an era of violent times was approaching and so He said, “Face
all violence with non-violence.” If someone uses the weapon of
violence, you should use the ‘weapon’ of non-violence against
him. Only this approach will lead to happiness. Violence only stops
with non-violence.
Understanding Non-Violence
Questioner: People are frequently violent. How can they
be changed to become non-violent?
Dadashri: You have to make them understand. You have
to explain to them that, ‘the Lord resides in every living being. If
you hurt any living being you will incur liability for the hurt and
violence that you cause. As a result, your spiritual progress is
hindered because the layers of ignorance will have multiplied. This
leads to more misery and birth in a lower life-form.’ People will
indeed understand this if you explain it to them in this way. Violence
ruins the human intellect.