26
Non-Violence
any violence. But if a person steals from us or cheats us, should
we confront him or not?
Dadashri: You have to confront him. Do it in such a way
that it does not affect your internal peace. Very calmly and
deliberately ask, ‘Brother, what wrong have I done to you that
you are stealing from me and hurting me?’ If he has stolen something
worth a hundred rupees do not confront him in anger. If you do
you will sustain five times worth of spiritual loss. You will incur a
greater loss by becoming angry with him.
Violence Ceases Through Opposition
Questioner: Is it considered subtle violence to cheat a
person, to torment him, to steal from him or betray his trust?
Dadashri: It is all violence. In fact, it is a greater violence
than the visible violence and its consequences are also greater.
To cause someone mental distress, to hurt him, cheat, betray or
steal from him is all raudradhyan (adverse internal meditation
that hurts others), the consequence of which will be a life in hell.
Questioner: Is it right to give more importance to subtle
violence, as opposed to gross overt violence such as cruelty to
helpless animals, their slaughter and violent exploitation? And is it
an appropriate approach to remain neutral?
Dadashri: No. That is not right. One should always oppose
any form of violence. By not opposing it, you are condoning it. If
you are not doing one you are doing the other. Therefore whoever
it is, be it an ordinary person or a Gnani, he must be opposed to
it, or else it would be the same as encouraging it!
Questioner: Can we become instrumental in stopping
violence against humans, animals and other living entity when
suffering has come as a result of their own karma?
Dadashri: Regardless of the consequences of their karma,
if you do not try to stop violence, it is the same as encouraging it.