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Chapter V - Gradational Practice of
Ahimsa
When thoughts of revenge and hatred arise in the mind, try
to control the physical body and speech first. Do not utter
evil and harsh words. Do not censure. Do not try to injure
others. If you succeed in this by practice for some months,
the negative thoughts of revenge, having no scope for
manifesting outside, will die by themselves. It is extremely
difficult to control such thoughts from the very beginning
without having recourse to control of the body and speech
first.
First control your physical body. When a man beats you, keep
quiet. Suppress your feelings. Follow the instructions of
Jesus Christ in his Sermon On The Mount: "If a man beats you
on one cheek, turn to him the other cheek also. If a man takes
away your coat, give him your shirt also." This is very
difficult in the beginning. The old Samskaras (impressions) of
revenge, of "a tooth for a tooth", "tit for tat", "an eye for
an eye", and "paying in the same coin" will all force you to
retaliate. But you will have to wait cooly. Reflect and
meditate. Do Vichara or right enquiry. The mind will become
calm. The opponent who was very furious will also become calm,
because he does not get any opposition from your side. He gets
astonished and terrified also, because you stand like a sage.
By and by, you will gain immense strength. Keep the ideal
before you. Try to get at it, though with faltering steps at
first. Have a clear-cut mental image of Ahimsa and its
immeasurable advantages.
After controlling the body, control your speech. Make a strong
determination, "I will not speak any harsh word to anybody
from today". You may fail a hundred times. What does it matter
? You will slowly gain strength. Check the impulse of speech.
Observe Mouna (silence). Practice Kshama or forgiveness. Say
within yourself: "He is a baby-soul. He is ignorant, that is
why he has done it. Let me excuse him this time. What do I
gain by abusing him in return ?" Slowly give up Abhimana (ego-centred
attachment). Abhimana is the root-cause of human sufferings.
Finally go to the thoughts and check the thought of injuring.
Never even think of injuring anyone. One Self dwells in all.
All are manifestations of One God. By injuring another, you
injure your own Self. By serving another, you serve your own
Self. Love all. Serve all. Hate none. Insult none. Injure none
in thought, word and deed. Try to behold your own Self in all
beings. This will promote Ahimsa.
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