76
Non-Violence
Questioner: Even a small child in our group practices non-
violence. Is it because of the values instilled in him from his previous
lives?
Dadashri: Yes, without a doubt. They have these values
today because of the merit karma and values that had been instilled
in them in their previous life. But if they were to abuse what they
have today, do you know where they are headed?
Questioner: They are only practicing ahimsa, how are they
abusing it?
Dadashri: How can you call this ahimsa? There is no greater
violence than the kashaya done against other human beings. Show
me anyone that does not do this. Those who do no kashaya at
home practice true ahimsa. To do kashaya all the time and
simultaneously claim to practice ahimsa carries with it a great
liability. People with a lot of awareness do the most kashaya.
Compared to Indians, people in other countries do lesser kashaya.
You would think that those with less awareness do more kashaya.
It is not so. Do you not think kashaya is wrong?
Questioner: Yes, absolutely.
Dadashri: Yes, there is no violence worse than kashaya.
Kashaya itself is violence. The ahimsa that people practice is really
something they are born with because they had made such an
intent in their previous life, which has now come into effect in this
life. It is only when one’s anger, false pride, attachment and greed
cease that one really stops violence.
Questioner: That’s right. I understand. It is written so in
the scriptures. The emperors in India did much violence when
they fought battles, but they were not bound by kashayas, which
would bind them for infinite lives. It is only when one follows the
wrong guru, the wrong religion and the wrong saint that one
becomes bound by kashayas for infinite lives.