By: BK Dr. Savita
Source: The Daily Guardian
https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/2138/the-daily-guardian/15
Dated: March 8th, 2025
In the epic Mahabharata, non-violence has been declared the highest duty of an individual. However, in real life, most people think that it is not feasible to be completely non-violent. Is it so?
When we decide to be non-violent in every situation, it influences our behaviour. Someone who wishes to be non-violent will not do anything that may get him into a situation that involves violence, be it emotional, verbal or, in an extreme case, physical violence. Such a person is likely to be affable, humble, and tolerant. When someone’s behaviour is informed by the above qualities, they are unlikely to offend or hurt anyone, or trigger feelings in others that may cause them to be aggressive. The result would be harmonious relations in which there is no probability of violence of any kind.
On the other hand, if someone believes that they might need to use force in certain situations, and therefore carries a weapon, they may feel emboldened to act aggressively at times. Such behaviour is obviously not going to win them friends, and will only feed their insecurity and aggression.
It can be argued that even if we are nice to everyone, someone may try to harm us due to a vested interest or evil intentions. Being good, they say, is no guarantee of having good done to the self.
It is here that subtle forces come into play. A person who has removed violence from his feelings, thoughts, words, and deeds would be naturally peaceful. Subtle vibrations of peace emanate from such persons and influence those around them. The proof of this phenomenon can be found in places of worship. The inside of a temple, mosque, or church is an oasis of calm even in a bustling city area. The vibrations there soothe the mind, providing respite from the hustle outside. The atmosphere in these places is such because the people who visit them create positive or peaceful thoughts while they are there. Our thoughts create the atmosphere around us. That is why we can sense tension in the air in places where people tend to be stressed, irritated, or frustrated – as in workplaces.
When we interact with others, it is the subtle energy we radiate that has the biggest influence on how they respond to us. Ever wondered why our sweet words and smiles fail to convince those for whom we have not very good feelings? They are catching our negative vibrations.
A calm person carries an aura of peace around him. This influences even those who may have negative feelings for them. The subtle energy of vibrations influences all creatures, and even the elements of nature. This fact is illustrated by the life stories of holy men and women, which describe how would-be assassins had a change of heart when they came near them; how wild animals showed no aggression towards them; and how the elements of nature came to their aid. The message from these stories is that one who has quietened his or her mind and intellect can calm down those with violent intentions.
Here one needs to mention the inviolable law of karma. Sometimes, violence suffered by us may be a result of our karmic accounts, whether of the present life or earlier ones. But even in such a case a violent reaction would only add to our karmic burden. If we understand this fact and respond calmly, our karmic burden would soon be finished and the violent situation will subside.
The subtle energy of peace works on a larger scale too, in societies and nations. Communities that are peaceable see less violent incidents than those where aggression is glorified. Ultimately, friendship and non-violence, coupled with strength, are the best sources of security. Mahatma Gandhi said that non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man. If everyone understood as well as Gandhi how the power of non-violence works, the world would be a better place.
BK Dr. Savita is a Rajyoga teacher
at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.
