Value: Non-violence - February 2025

First Week: Cultivate inner purity

Watch your demeanor, to ensure it shows concern and confidence, not intimidating.

Our presence and appearance are the first things that others notice about us. It is essential to pay attention to our demeanor, even if our mental attitude is noble and well-meaning. A person whose presence is intimidating tends to be distanced by others. In contrast, someone who expresses concern and compassion is much more approachable.

 

Gurudev attracted devotees from various backgrounds. Whether it was a wealthy entrepreneur from Mumbai or a tribal woman from a Himalayan village, both were drawn to him. He addressed their individual needs with his compassionate demeanor.

While speaking and listening, look at the person by giving compassionate attention

In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, it is stated that a person's right eye symbolizes Brahman: "Dakṣiṇe'kṣan puruṣaḥ." Traditionally, the opening of the eyes of the deity during consecration is considered a sacred ritual, as the power of consciousness is fully expressed through the eyes.

 

The eyes convey more emotions than any other sense organ. In temple altars, the eyes of the deity are often intricately carved to express compassion towards the devotees. When speaking with someone, it is important to look into their eyes, but do so in a way that does not make them uncomfortable!

Realizing that the body is the temple of God, avoid both overfeeding and extensive fasting

Deho devaalaya proktah jeevo devah sanaatanah -The body is considered the abode of God, and the individual self is an eternal being. Just as we light a lamp at the altar, the food we consume sustains life within our bodies.

 

In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna advises Arjuna that the "yoga of meditation" is not suitable for those who either overeat or fast excessively, as both extremes are harmful to the body—the temple of God. 

 

Moderation in all activities is essential for non-violence. It is important to be productive and active, but not at the expense of your own health and the well-being of those who depend on you.

February Week 1 Guidance Audio:  

 

Q & A

I understand that Ahimsa—in thought, speech, and action—is central to our sadhana. However, I have several friends who are non-vegetarians and still practice their religion. Does eating meat (which involves violence) align with dharma or sadhana? My parents are also meat eaters, and they say that I am running away from the world and that I will never find God.

• Religious practices, such as rituals, festivals, feasting, and fasting, do not necessarily emphasize values like humility and non-violence. Lord Krishna defines values as "knowledge" rather than merely rituals or religious activities. Therefore, those identifying with a particular religion may not necessarily uphold these values. Most religions, including Buddhism that preaches non-violence do not consider meat-eating as a religious violation.
• In my opinion, choosing not to eat meat is a personal choice. Some individuals avoid meat for health reasons, while others may be sensitive to the violence associated with killing sentient beings, which they view as emotionally mature, unlike plants.
• Those who are searching for God, may think that they will find Him while being violent toward other living beings. In the vision of Vedanta, God being present in all living beings, violence toward them is violence against God!

We have a person while talking, makes us feel intimidated. How do we look at him with compassion?

• Improvement takes time and may not happen all at once. Acknowledge that this behavior is a habit of the person and exercise patience. It's similar to tolerating a sick person who is coughing uncontrollably. Show sympathy and don’t feel intimidated. Gradually learn to express compassion, much like a doctor does with a patient.