Ahimsa - Non-violence

 

Source: https://www.sadhuvaswani.org/

Dada J.P. Vaswani, the erstwhile spiritual leader of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, under the aegis of which, St. Mira's School, Pune, functions; where I studied till the tenth standard, was an ever-smiling, soft-spoken person who exuded peace and amity towards all. A 'Moment of Calm' is observed on his birthday, on August 2nd, every year, at 2 p.m. when everyone is asked to silently reflect on 'pardon/forgiveness' as mentioned on the poster posted above.

The founder of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Sadhu T.L.Vaswani, was his mentor in his spiritual journey. Both of them lived the religion of humanity with great aplomb, inspiring all those who looked up to them for guidance and support. Their teachings shape the lives of the students of the school as well as many others!

Sadhu T.L. Vaswani's birthday on the 25th of November, is observed as "International Meatless Day" to commemorate his supreme love for all living creatures. Every one is asked to take a pledge to abstain from eating non-vegetarian food on that day. Even abattoirs are requested to shut down on that day.
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My husband Ramesh was asked a question on QUORA. He was asked to unscramble "HISMAA". 

He unscrambled it and asked me to elucidate the word. 

I wrote the following answer:

“AHIMSA - A feeling of non-violence towards others, in thoughts and deeds. Even harsh words and actions should be avoided. Ahimsa is an extension of the concept of peace. When one kills animals for satiating one’s hunger, we are violating those animals’ right to live! So let’s live and let live. Some would argue that plants are also living beings…. Now, that’s food for thought!

Having a full meal in front of a hungry beggar is also a violent act!

Our revered gurus like Gautama Buddha and Bhagwan Mahavir and several others, advocated peace and non-violence in the ancient times.

After observing the bloodshed in the aftermath of the Kalinga War, the great Emperor Ashoka recognised the futility of war and renounced war/expansion plans and became a disciple of Gautama Buddha.

Source: Internet

Even Lord Jesus Christ forgave his tormentors by saying that “Oh Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do!”

Source: Internet

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest apostles of peace, truly believed in the lofty principles of AHIMSA (non-violence), ANASHAN (fasting/hunger strike) and SATYAGRAHA (truth). These were his tools to galvanise our nation’s people into fighting for independence, from the mighty colonial rulers!

He would say, “If one slaps you, show the other cheek!”

Source: Internet

Admittedly very hard to follow!

In the popular film, Munnabhai MBBS, the protagonist gives a red rose and an endearing hug to all his naysayers; following, in his words, “Gandhigiri”!

In today’s times, we could:

Stop cutting down trees to widen roads and polluting our beautiful planet Earth.

Prevent or abort wars or conflicts.

Tone down our strident arguments.

Stop domestic and public violence towards women, children and other men!

Stop infanticide, female foeticide, honour killings.

Be kind and compassionate towards everyone. (Stop trolling on social media!)

Develop empathy, benevolence and charitable thoughts and associations.

Try not to hurt or harm anyone deliberately or otherwise!

Stop showing off our status, wealth or possessions before the underprivileged ones.

Meditate to cleanse ourselves of vengeful/murderous/slanderous thoughts!

Practice the art of forgiving, though that is easier said than done!

Teach A for Ahimsa in schools! (Corporal punishment in schools is now a matter of the past! Thank God!)”