Value: Non-violence - February 2025

Third Week: Show compassion and reverence

Replace vengeful thoughts with compassion by praying for their welfare

Why do we feel restless when experiencing negative emotions like anger or jealousy? It happens because we distance ourselves from our true Self when we strongly identify with these feelings. In contrast, when we are in love or expressing compassion, we find ourselves in harmony with our peaceful Self. 

If you seek peace in your life, consciously work on replacing negative emotions with positive values. Come closer to your own peaceful Self. Be patient and allow yourself enough time to practice this.

Every living being has God's presence. Respect everyone irrespective of age and maturity.

As human beings, we often consider ourselves the most intelligent creatures. However, a closer and more impartial observation reveals that every living being is created with intelligence by a higher power. All life forms, including plants, manage to meet their needs without relying on direct support from other species.

 In contrast, we humans depend on the entire ecosystem to satisfy our endless greed and desire for sensory pleasures. This reliance often leads us to harm other living beings to fulfill our demands. 

The principle of non-violence should extend to respecting every living creature. Sage Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, points out that in the presence of those who practice non-violence, even creatures that are traditionally regarded as enemies discard their enmity.

    अहिंसा प्रतिष्ठायां तत्सन्निधौ वैरत्यागः (सर्वप्राणिनां भवति) || 2.35 

Every object is God's creation. Consciously do not misuse or abuse anything.

No human can claim to be the creator of the world. Even objects that seem inert are creations of God. Just as we value all living things, we should also appreciate those that are inanimate.

 

When you hold a mango in your hand, you can visibly see its water and earth elements. It also contains the element of air in the form of energy prana, and fire, since it is digestible. Additionally, it occupies space.

 

Although these five elements are considered inert, when combined, they allow the mango to sustain your life. This principle applies to all things in the world. God has not created anything that is useless.  Everything is important to someone, somewhere at some time. Therefore, show your reverence for Him by protecting His creations with love and respect.

February Week 3 Guidance Audio:  

 

Q & A

If I were to practice non-violence, What do I do with the rats, mosquitoes, cockroaches, etc., which roam about in my house?  

• If they intrude on your daily life, you need to remove them not necessarily kill them. But if the situation is serious, take serious action against them. A gardener may kill the weeds in your backyard when they affect the health of the other plants. 
• In human society, it is necessary to punish criminals for their interference in others' lives. It is unsafe to let them go unpunished.  This is not violence, it is prudence.

How can we practice ahimsa in our thoughts, beyond just avoiding harsh words or actions?

• Words and actions are expressions of thoughts. Only when we start to closely identify with the mind of the creator who created everything out of love, we will not hurt anyone even in our thoughts.

If simplicity is about reducing unnecessary complexity, how can we apply it to our decision-making process in daily life?

• Decisions are made based on the priorities. That which is important in your daily life needs no discussion. Do you discuss if you should eat breakfast or not? Where there is choice, there is a need for discussions and decision-making. Decide first on what needs immediate attention and action, and then move on to the next.

What is the connection between ahimsa and self-discipline? Can avoiding harm to oneself (e.g., overcommitting, burnout) also be considered a form of ahimsa?

• Ahimsa itself is a self-discipline. Our animal tendency is usually reactive. To act, one should pause, think, and respond. And in that thinking, one must make sure that the action is not harmful to oneself and others.

How can we distinguish between essential responsibilities and self-imposed obligations that complicate our lives?

• Responsibilities are usually what you are expected to fulfill. When you become a householder through marriage, you have assumed the responsibility of taking care of your spouse and children. 
• Self-imposed obligations are based on what you give importance. If you want to excel in your workplace or you feel that your child should excel in whatever he or she does, it is self-imposed. 

If every living being has God's presence and deserves respect, regardless of age or maturity, how do we reconcile the consumption of animal products with this belief? Does taking the life of animals or using their products align with the principle of universal respect, or is there a way to justify it within spiritual, ethical, or practical considerations?

• Being more sensitive (not sentimental) is natural for a spiritually evolving person. When you know that the product is obtained by harming animals, and if you are sensitive to that fact, avoid it. Some justify that the animals are not harmed though the material to make the product is obtained from them (after they die).

How do we handle becoming overwhelmed by life or samsara while practicing the Sadhanas cumulatively?

• Nothing changes overnight on this journey; it requires maturity to blossom, much like a bud that transforms into a flower. Clarity of understanding, which comes from regular contemplation, will reveal the illusory nature of samsara. Once we recognize this illusion, the reality of worldly ways will appear weak and fragile.

⁠If, while practicing Sadhana, we feel ourselves straying from the Path, what are some ways to correct ourselves/bring ourselves back?

• Believe in yourself. The deviation may occur due to strong impressions (vasanas) accumulated over many lifetimes. Keep specific affirmation statements near your bed, on your workspace, and even in your car. Examples include: "I am Awareness, not just a bundle of thoughts," "I am a witness to the mind, not a victim," and "My peace is my choice." I hope this helps.

In the practice of Ishwara Pranidhana, how does one balance enduring difficult circumstances with the need for self-care and protecting one’s dignity?

• There is a famous saying: "God helps those who help themselves." When you slip and fall on the floor, you use the same floor to push yourself back up. In life, the world treats the wise and the ignorant the same. The wise learn from their mistakes, get up quickly, and strive to do better, while the ignorant tend to repeat their errors time and again. You should only surrender those problems to Him that you cannot resolve on your own.