Non-violence is an attitude and practice of living in harmony with others and with oneself. It is living truthfully and doing one’s duty with love and consideration. It is not a meek attitude of submission to the will of others; it can require the greatest bravery. Non-violence requires adherence to high standards of truth and self-control.

Complete non-violence is difficult to practice because all life has some elements of violence: we must eat even if we only eat plant matter; we must walk even though we may crush small insects. However, non-violence is really an attitude in which we avoid inflicting pain on others. Even if we are unable to help others, we must at least refrain from intentionally harming them. Imagine the results if this simple rule were universally practiced.

It (non-violence) does not mean merely not injuring a living being. You should not cause hurt even by a word, a look, or a gesture. Tolerance, fortitude, equanimity --- these help you to be steady in ahimsa.

Sathya Sai Speaks 10

Non-violence must also extend to ourselves. Many people do greater violence to themselves than others could possibly do to them. They harm themselves through bad habits and improper living. They over emphasize negative events and get caught in the apparent evils of the world. They focus on darkness in the world, not allowing the light to enter.

Non-violence must be a part of our perceptions and outlook. If we are unable to live peacefully with ourselves, it is impossible for us to live peacefully with others. The first step must be inner harmony and self-understanding. This develops as we strive to see divinity in all.

We generally think that ahimsa (non-violence) means not causing harm to some living being. Ahimsa is not just this. Even bad vision or bad hearing or bad talk is himsa (violence).

Summer Showers 1978