Definition of Ahimsa - Term Paper Example

Ahimsa or non violence can be broadly defined as the intrinsic faith in the goodness of all living organisms. When one believes that each living thing is just a part of a bigger system or our Creator, the meaning of goodness emerges because He is not merely omnipotent and the omniscient but He is also the embodiment of all that is good! So a thing that is part of Him will also be good and makes the very meaning of violence, in action and thought, against all living and breathing things null and void. In action and thought is a thought provoking but real provision of ahimsa because both these human factors are closely linked and are vulnerable to cause a reaction that may result in the physical expression of the same. Alternatively, it can be said that ahimsa is the basic principle of life that promotes universal values and ethical living because it abhors violence. It teaches one to love fellow-beings and live in harmony. In the contemporary environment of fast paced life, people are living on their nerves and each of them is trying to become better than others. This has significantly influenced human behaviour that has become less tolerant and more vulnerable to the vagaries of life, provoking violent expressions, both in action and thought. The repercussions are highly detrimental to the society that is increasingly becoming global in essence but diverse in equation. The rapid globalization has changed the dynamics of societal norms and the emergence of pluralistic society demands new paradigms of peaceful living. Indeed this definition of ahimsa becomes pertinent in the current times and needs to become the governing principle of living. Interesting, while ahimsa is fittingly described as a principle of non violence against all odds, it also seems to have acquired huge scope of interpretations that encompass not only the real and meta physical reality of human life but also life after physical death. The spiritual annotations of ahimsa bring human beings closer to the divinity and therefore, towards immortality of soul that is indestructible. It inculcates selfless service and promotes acceptance of human failings within the wider realm of human interactions. In short, it teaches people to love and to cherish what one has. In loving others, one would not hate nor desire harm to those whom one loves! Ahimsa is also the philosophy of life because it teaches to love not because another person is wholly pure in thoughts and actions but because he understands that the other person is also created by the same Creator as himself. He is also a part of broader concept of family that has one single creator who is called by different names by people living in different places. So being a part of the whole system makes him part of oneself. Just as a man would not cut-off his one arm to spite his other arm, it transpires that because each one of us is part of a bigger system of thing, desire to harm does not arise and therefore, love should prevail. Some may also correctly redefine ahimsa as the only truth of life because it inherently brings in the powerful intonations of spiritual strength that is above the petty behaviour of common man. It brings him to the platform that is nearer to our Creator. When one accepts His omniscience and omnipower, everything else seems trivial. Love becomes the most powerful motivator that drives him towards spiritual heights where fear, apprehensions, ambitions and physical desires for material things, lose all relevance. When there is no fear, it becomes easy to fight against all odds because there IS no odd left only love. One does not fight against love so ultimately love conquers hate and becomes the all pervading love that spreads kindness, teaches charity and promotes humility of character. Ahimsa could also be understood as the goal of our life that helps us understand the ultimate truth of life. Man and God are one and the same but this is not easily decipherable primarily because we do not look beyond the physical reality of self. Once the realization of the same sinks in, one tries to device ways and means to, strive towards the ultimate truth that is God. This is The Goal of the man and all the rest are the trials and tribulations of the physical aspect of the life of human being on earth. All the religions of the world and even science acknowledge the presence of ‘The power’ who is behind the creation of all things, living and non living. Considering such wide parameter of human reality, it would not be amiss to claim that ahimsa is courage. Courage to stand against the tyranny of the brutes who terrorise their fellow beings. It is courage to stand by one’s convictions against all odds. It is courage to tell the truth as truth and not disguise it in any other form to appease or soften the blow. It is also the courage that inspires other to follow in the path of goodness. And finally it is the courage to protect the vulnerable, the weak and even the tyrants because they are also part of us. It can also be argued that ahimsa is doctrine of life that helps us to realize the vulnerability of human existence. It teaches us to rejoice in the glory of God through honest living and loving people because everyone deserves loving. It promotes compassion and empathy for the less privileged. It endorses understanding and desire to give rather than just remain a ‘taker’. It also encourages one to take risks for the wider welfare of the society because no risk is above the goodness of the living being and no stake higher than the value of life. Indeed, ahimsa persuades one to cherish life because only when one starts cherishing life, one understands the value of living and thus, the value of life. Indeed, as a doctrine, it is the best gift to the world. Ahimsa can also be described as the indomitable force that connects one to the God. It is the ultimate power of the soul that is indestructible and infallible. Ahimsa, when practiced in deed and thought, greatly facilitates in creating and developing a new order that is ruled by universal love and brotherhood. Ahimsa, thus dissolves conflicts, rather than resolving conflicts because love dissipates hate and promotes an environment of complete harmony and understanding. Undeniably, ahimsa helps create a world based on mutual respect, love and understanding. Last but not the least important is the fact that ahimsa is the intangible thread of hope and expectations that binds the creatures of this world with the divine power. Ahimsa with such myriad meaning and interpretation is probably the only truth that can bring together conflicting interest and diverse ideologies of the world. It would, therefore be correct to declare that in the current environment of distrust and violence, it is the only hope that can bring peace and order to the world. Reference Ahimsa, Gospel of non violence. Read More