Non Violence (Ahimsa) and Spiritual Awareness

The word violence generally conveys the impression of some form of physical aggression. But, the spiritual definition of violence is much broader. It says that violence begins from the moment you have a thought about hurting another living being.

Violence is something that is completely the opposite of peace, whether it is internal or external peace. Therefore, to maintain peace, one should maintain complete non-violence. Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan states the definition of non-violence is, “To maintain the awareness of not hurting any living being, even to the slightest degree, through one’s mind, speech, and actions.” When this principle remains firm in your belief and awareness then you will be able to progress spiritually. This constant awareness can be attained after Self Realization and with the blessings of the Gnani Purush.

Many people also wonder how being a non-vegetarian is considered a form of violence. Param Pujya Dadashri responds, “The general rule is that you cannot destroy what you cannot create.” From this, we can understand that we should not take any living beings’ life because we cannot bring them back to life.

You can learn more about violence (himsa) and non-violence (ahimsa), from the gross to the subtlest levels as exposed in the book, “Non-Violence”. It will serve as a useful guide for those who want to practice non-violence (ahimsa) and desire liberation.