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Chapter III - Subtle Forms of Himsa
Only the ordinary people think that Ahimsa is not to hurt any
living being physically. This is but the gross form of Ahimsa.
The vow of Ahimsa is broken even by showing contempt towards
another man, by entertaining unreasonable dislike for or
prejudice towards anybody, by frowning at another man, by
hating another man, by abusing another man, by speaking ill of
others, by backbiting or vilifying, by harboring thoughts of
hatred, by uttering lies, or by ruining another man in any way
whatsoever.
All harsh and rude speech is Himsa (violence or injury). Using
harsh words to beggars, servants or inferiors is Himsa.
Wounding the feelings of others by gesture, expression, tone
of voice and unkind words is also Himsa. Slighting or showing
deliberate discourtesy to a person before others is wanton
Himsa. To approve of another's harsh actions is indirect Himsa.
To fail to relieve another's pain, or even to neglect to go to
the person in distress is a sort of Himsa. It is the sin of
omission. Avoid strictly all forms of harshness, direct or
indirect, positive or negative, immediate or delayed. Practice
Ahimsa in its purest form and become divine. Ahimsa and
Divinity are one.
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