The next discipline is Ahimsa (absence of violence).
It 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 is ahimsa. They will remove
all chance of your causing pain to others. This is called ‘sahana’
(forbearance) or ‘kshama’ (forgiveness). Assess the worth of whatever
others do to you, and cultivate fortitude and the understanding to
appreciate their behavior and pardon their faults. This capacity is
as invaluable as truth, righteousness, wisdom, non-violence, renunciation,
delight and compassion. It is all that one need possess for spiritual
advancement.
