
In the Indian epic Mahabharata, non-violence has been described as the highest duty of an individual. However, in real life, most people think that it is not feasible to be totally non-violent.
Is it so? When we decide to be non-violent in every situation, it influences our speech and behaviour. A person who wishes to be non-violent will not do anything that may get him into a situation involving violence, whether it is emotional, verbal or, in an extreme case, physical violence.
As a result, such a person is likely to be affable, humble, patient, tolerant, considerate and loving. When such a person’s speech and behaviour are marked by the above qualities, they will not offend or hurt anyone or create any feelings in others that may lead them to be aggressive towards this person.
The result will be harmonious relations with others in which there is no scope for violence of any kind.
On the other hand, a person who believes that one may need to use force sometimes, even if only in self-defence, and therefore carries a weapon, may feel emboldened to act aggressively at times. Such behaviour is obviously not going to win him any friends and will only feed his insecurity and aggression.
“A calm person carries an aura of peace around him. This influences even those who may have negative feelings for him. And this influence extends to all creatures and even the elements of nature.”
“If all men and women understand as well as Gandhi how the power of non-violence works, much of the world’s conflicts and suffering will end.”