True meaning of 'Ahimsa' (Non Violence)
To commit an injustice is a sin, but to tolerate injustice is also a sin.
~ Guru Gobind Singh ji
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Ahimsa, or non violence, means to fulfil one's Dharma,, to practice what is natural. To survive and live in harmony with nature, that is to live in a manner to cause least harm to other things and beings in the world.
Somehow Ahimsa has come to be construed as 'to do nothing'. It means to knowingly not offend, cause harm to others and to creation. Harm can be physical, mental, spiritual or psychological. Ahimsa also means not to harm a culture or even a reputation.
Without Ahimsa a people and civilisations cannot survive or be sustained. Ahimsa is a high ideal focussing on needs rather than low form of existence, greed.
Ahimsa has been practised in India for millennia, but it was made popular by Mahatma Gandhi in recent times. He used brilliantly Ahimsa to unite a vast majority of dispirited colonised Indians to unite them and to confront the British in a seemingly non-confrontational manner by making India ungovernable to win freedom.
Every philosophy applies to a certain of circumstances. It cannot be universal for all situations or circumstances.
Ahimsa worked when we were being oppressed by people with a conscience. Ahimsa does not work when one is under brutal assault or attack, as Gandhi ji himself realised and confessed, a bit late in his life.
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What Mahatma Gandhi ji advised the First Soldier of India?
In early 1947, India was rushing towards its date with freedom from British rule. However there loomed on the horizon a very dangerous storm. There existed the great and real threat of partition of India because of the differences between the two main egoistic leaders Jawaharlal Nehru and Mohamad Ali Jinnah.
Wiser counsel tried their best to prevent the partition. Amongst the sane, was the first soldier of India. Major General Cariappa, suggested that Nehru and Jinnah should sit down together and find an amicable solution to avoid partition.
Astonishingly, this suggestion was immediately condemned by Mahatma Gandhi in his newsletter 'The Harijan'. Gandhi ji frowned upon upon the expression of political views by a military man.
Gen Cariappa went to meet Gandhi ji.
After some polite conversation the General came to the point. "Gandhi ji, I cannot do my duty well to my country If I concentrate only on telling my troops of non-violence all the time. Its subordinating their main task of preparing themselves efficiently to be good soldiers. So I ask you, please, to guide me and give me the knowledge. Tell me please, how I can put this over, that is, the spirit of non-violence to the troops without endangering their sense of duty to protect themselves and the nation."
Gandhi ji, replied, "I myself am groping in the dark for the answer. I will find it someday and give you the answer."
The apostle of non-violence had no answer to give the first soldier of India. Gandhi ji, subsequently concluded that everyone must follow their 'dharma' and do their duty. To serve and to protect your country is the dharma of everyone, but more so that of the soldier.
Unfortunately India for long has been led mostly by small minded and timid leaders. Many leaders civilian and military lacking in spine and intelligence cloaked their cowardice and incompetence by taking shelter in twisting the teachings of Gurus, Prophets and Mahatmas.
Thankfully, at last, the times are a-changing. With great restraint and wisdom, true dharma and ahimsa are now begun to be practised by Indian political, military, and administrative leaders.
India has begun to fulfil its destiny to be a global leader. A great and responsible nation who none should fear unless they wish to deliberately cause India and her people harm.
Gandhi ji, was the first person to bless Brig. LP Sen with success before he left for Srinagar in Kashmir on his mission to repel the invading Pakistani forces.
Wiser counsel tried their best to prevent the partition. Amongst the sane, was the first soldier of India. Major General Cariappa, suggested that Nehru and Jinnah should sit down together and find an amicable solution to avoid partition.
Astonishingly, this suggestion was immediately condemned by Mahatma Gandhi in his newsletter 'The Harijan'. Gandhi ji frowned upon upon the expression of political views by a military man.
Gen Cariappa went to meet Gandhi ji.
After some polite conversation the General came to the point. "Gandhi ji, I cannot do my duty well to my country If I concentrate only on telling my troops of non-violence all the time. Its subordinating their main task of preparing themselves efficiently to be good soldiers. So I ask you, please, to guide me and give me the knowledge. Tell me please, how I can put this over, that is, the spirit of non-violence to the troops without endangering their sense of duty to protect themselves and the nation."
Gandhi ji, replied, "I myself am groping in the dark for the answer. I will find it someday and give you the answer."
The apostle of non-violence had no answer to give the first soldier of India. Gandhi ji, subsequently concluded that everyone must follow their 'dharma' and do their duty. To serve and to protect your country is the dharma of everyone, but more so that of the soldier.
Unfortunately India for long has been led mostly by small minded and timid leaders. Many leaders civilian and military lacking in spine and intelligence cloaked their cowardice and incompetence by taking shelter in twisting the teachings of Gurus, Prophets and Mahatmas.
Thankfully, at last, the times are a-changing. With great restraint and wisdom, true dharma and ahimsa are now begun to be practised by Indian political, military, and administrative leaders.
India has begun to fulfil its destiny to be a global leader. A great and responsible nation who none should fear unless they wish to deliberately cause India and her people harm.
Gandhi ji, was the first person to bless Brig. LP Sen with success before he left for Srinagar in Kashmir on his mission to repel the invading Pakistani forces.
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Guru Gobind Singh ji, is the tenth Sikh Guru.
With His spiritual powers and energy Guru Gobind Singh ji baptised a large number of ordinary men, converting them into extraordinary men with the courage of lions. He called these Sikh followers 'The Khalsa'. They are an army of spiritual beings, who are also well trained noble soldiers to fight against injustice and to protect the weak and oppressed from oppressors, and to serve God by serving humanity.
The Sikhs along with the Marathas played a decisive role in bringing to an end the rule of the Mughal empire in India because of the cruel and unjust rule as typified by Emperor Aurangzeb.
Even today, Khalsa soldiers comprise a significant portion of the Indian defence forces, where they are regarded with great respect and honour.
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