THE VALUE OF NONVIOLENCE

THE VALUE OF NONVIOLENCE

"We may never be strong enough to be entirely nonviolent in thought, word and deed.

But we must keep nonviolence as our goal and make strong progress towards it."

Mahatma Gandhi

To learn that we can cause hurt, inadvertently or out of anger, greed and egoism, is a sensitizing process of growing awareness. To become more attentive and loving towards all forms of life, means uplifting our own lives with a broader sense of appreciation and a sense of awe and wonder for life in general and for the universe at large.

Human Values education facilitates this process. It transforms our feelings, broadens our mind and widens our perspective. It helps us apprehend unity in diversity wherever we look, resounding to the keynote of universal Love. By practicing Human Values in thought, word and deed, we uplift and expand consciousness.

Nonviolence is the result of the practice of the other Human Values. When we respect Truth, adhere to Right Conduct, spread love towards all, and recognize the value of Peace, we are sowing the seeds of Nonviolence.

Sathya Sai has many times reiterated that “Nonviolence not only means refraining from harming others, but also taking action to alleviate the suffering of others.” Furthermore, according to SSEHV the practice of Nonviolence not only refers to refraining from physical or verbal violence and aggressiveness; negative thoughts can be equally harmful. Nonviolence means abstaining from causing harm to oneself or others, by inflicting pain or injury in thought, word and deed. It also implies “loving all and serving all”, which is why Nonviolence is Love in understanding. “Understanding the unity of creation leads us to a general attitude and conduct of Nonviolence”. (Sathya Sai).

Nonviolence: Personal, Social and Universal

On a personal level Nonviolence implies respect for one‘s wellbeing, and is supported by self-inquiry and the capacity to control one’s negative emotions. As we become more aware of how harmful inappropriate company, inconsiderate speech, and bad sensory input can be, we learn to avoid them and to transform our modes and habits.

The social aspect of Nonviolence develops respect and harmony between the individual and others, through an understanding of the moral principles within a social-cultural context as well. When the sense of roles and duties is clear, social awareness and responsibilities become easier for children to grasp and understand. They realise that to live in harmony with others it is necessary to foster respect, friendliness and goodwill, as well as love and appreciation for the environment and the world at large. The premise for these achievements is a state of inner peace.

The value of Nonviolence builds caring and responsible citizens, ready to learn how to relieve the pain of others, and to cooperate in a spirit of brotherhood-sisterhood. Positive solution-finding skills, tolerance and acceptance of differences, care for Earth’s natural resources and selfless service to the destitute and the sick, all come about when Nonviolence becomes a major focus point for the students. The prevention of the violation of the laws of nature, and maintenance of the precious elements that constitute every part of this wondrous whole in balance, become tangible issues and concerns for them.

Nonviolence is, thus, the highest form of excellence for a human being, a natural result of a deep process of maturity, as in it lie the most noble qualities and traits. It is a state of consciousness in which the individual experiences the essential oneness and unity of all creation.