Ahimsa
Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
"Ahimsa (non-violence) does not mean merely not injuring a living being physically. You should not cause harm even by a word, a look or a gesture. Tolerance, fortitude, equanimity - these help you to practice ahimsa steadily."
"Ahimsa is another facet of Sathya (Truth). When once you are aware of the kinship of all the beings, the fundamental Atmic unity and their oneness with God, you will not knowingly cause pain or distress to another."
Ref: “Sathya Sai Speaks”, Vol. – VII, Chapter – 46.
During the Summer Course on Indian Culture and Spirituality in 1978, Baba said,
"We generally think that ahimsa means not causing harm to any living being. Himsa is not merely causing physical harm, even looking at debasing things, listening to evil or wrongful words and speaking harshly amounts to Himsa (violence)."
"If thugs attack you and chop off your hand, it is Himsa (violence). But, if the doctor amputates your hand in a surgery, he does it to save your life, and hence, it is Ahimsa (nonviolence).” Non-Violence, therefore, is a matter of intention and attitude, directed from the heart."
True Ahimsa
Perpetrating violence on others is ultimately committing violence to oneself. We will definitely reap the consequences of our actions, whether in the present or future. Though the result may not be always apparent, every action evokes an inevitable reaction, Baba warns us.
Therefore, the best policy is to avoid harming others at all. As the biblical saying goes, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Baba, in his inimitable style, says, “Help ever, hurt never".
"Ahimsa (non-violence) does not mean merely not injuring a living being physically. You should not cause harm even by a word, a look or a gesture. Tolerance, fortitude, equanimity - these help you to practice ahimsa steadily."
"Ahimsa is another facet of Sathya (Truth). When once you are aware of the kinship of all the beings, the fundamental Atmic unity and their oneness with God, you will not knowingly cause pain or distress to another."
Ref: “Sathya Sai Speaks”, Vol. – VII, Chapter – 46.
During the Summer Course on Indian Culture and Spirituality in 1978, Baba said,
"We generally think that ahimsa means not causing harm to any living being. Himsa is not merely causing physical harm, even looking at debasing things, listening to evil or wrongful words and speaking harshly amounts to Himsa (violence)."
"If thugs attack you and chop off your hand, it is Himsa (violence). But, if the doctor amputates your hand in a surgery, he does it to save your life, and hence, it is Ahimsa (nonviolence).” Non-Violence, therefore, is a matter of intention and attitude, directed from the heart."
True Ahimsa
Perpetrating violence on others is ultimately committing violence to oneself. We will definitely reap the consequences of our actions, whether in the present or future. Though the result may not be always apparent, every action evokes an inevitable reaction, Baba warns us.
Therefore, the best policy is to avoid harming others at all. As the biblical saying goes, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Baba, in his inimitable style, says, “Help ever, hurt never".