What is the importance of Non-violence?

The importance of non violence extends beyond actions—it shapes our thoughts, words, actions and overall way of living. Upon truly realizing it, we begin to think, speak, and act with greater awareness and kindness.

Non-violence increases the light of the intellect

A person who practices non-violence develops great clarity and illumination of the intellect. When no living being is caused suffering, the intellect becomes increasingly right and pure. As a result, deeper insight and skill arise in understanding how to avoid causing harm to anyone. Hurting others, on the other hand, is a sign of misguided intellect, an animalistic attitude that says, “Whether the other lives or dies, I must do what pleases me.” Such intent diminishes the light of one’s wisdom.

Humanity means:“I do not like it when someone causes me suffering, so I should not cause suffering to anyone.” When one lives with this sense of humanity, a higher, nobler intellect begins to emerge.

A person who does not hurt anyone, does not kill any living being, and lives with care so that no harm comes to others develops an intellect that is simple and elevated, such that it has the strength to bring resolution even in the midst of difficulties.

Non-violence dissolves karma

When we remain aware not to generate new violent intents while experiencing the results of past karma, those karmic accounts become settled. This highlights the importance of non-violence in choosing calmness over an impulsive reaction.

For example, if a dog bites us, the karmic account is actually being settled at that moment. But if we respond with violent inner intent such as “These dogs should be caught and killed; they should be punished this way or that way”, then we plant new seeds of violence. As a result, we create yet another karma of the same kind to face in the future.

However, in the same situation, if we remain composed and take the necessary practical measures, applying bandages, medicines, and proper treatment, but do not hold any intent to kill the dog, then no new seeds of violence are sown, and the karmic account is settled completely.

Non-violence leads one toward Religion and Spirituality

Non-violence itself is religion, and violence itself is irreligion. The very moment the intent arises to practice non-violence that no living being should suffer even to the slightest extent through our mind, speech, or body, one begins to move toward the path of religion. And from the moment the intent to commit violence arises, the path of irreligion begins.

Spiritual progress too occurs only through non-violence. Spirituality means moving toward the Self. Remaining in the state of the Self and seeing others as the Self is the highest form of non-violence, and through practicing it, one’s own spiritual evolution takes place.

Behind every action, there is knowledge. As a human being develops, that is as his upadaan (level of spiritual development) increases, his knowledge also transforms. In the early stage of development, the knowledge that allows a person to kill another human being is called impure knowledge. After progressing over many lifetimes, he reaches a stage where he no longer kills humans, but he still kills chickens, goats, or pigs and eats them. After further development, such a person stops harming animals but continues eating eggs. Both of these stages are considered inauspicious knowledge. Impure knowledge and inauspicious knowledge both incline one toward violence. As one progresses further and becomes vegetarian, one enters the stage of auspicious knowledge. And when a person attains the awareness of the Self, he becomes permanently non-violent, this is called pure knowledge. Auspicious and pure knowledge both lead toward non-violence.

Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan says that, “If a person perfects the practice of ahimsa, then He becomes God!” Such is the immense importance of non-violence. At our present stage, we should begin by practicing non-violence to the extent that we have understood it.

Through non-violence, even the other person forgets violence

There is no power like non-violence. Such is the impact of true non-violence that if one is completely non-violent and a snake is placed upon him, the snake will not bite instead, it will flee. Even a tiger cannot harm such a person. One who practices perfect non-violence cannot be killed by anyone.

A completely non-violent person is one who never takes sides. Because even if one speaks a single word in favor of one side, the ego of the other side is hurt, and they experience suffering, this is considered violence. Not only that, a person who is perfectly non-violent does not need to think about their own safety at all. All forms of resistance that arise from trying to keep oneself on the “safe side” involve violence. For example, holding the intent, “If he does this to me, I will finish him,” searching for bombs for protection, using weapons, all of these are forms of violence. And every act of violence inevitably brings punishment afterward.

Gnani Purushs (the enlightened Ones) and Tirthankaras are completely non-violent. In their presence, even the wildest ego becomes calm. In the assembly of the Tirthankaras, a tiger and a goat can sit together; the tiger forgets its violent instinct, and the goat forgets its fear. This reveals the importance of non-violence when it is embraced fully!

But in this current age of Kaliyug, where human minds have deteriorated and people have fallen prey to addictions, one cannot remain completely unguarded. Otherwise, people may exploit us. Therefore, necessary protection against violence is indispensable.