अहिंसा अमृत
By शुभू पटवा
Summary
The text discusses the concept of non-violence (ahimsa) in contemporary times, noting that while many nations and individuals speak of non-violence, they often rely on destruction and violence to solve problems. It acknowledges that non-violence is widely accepted as an effective means for peace, but true commitment to it remains lacking. The article highlights India's historical association with non-violence through figures like Mahavira, Buddha, and Mahatma Gandhi, who used non-violence successfully in the freedom struggle despite disagreements with those favoring violence. However, it questions why Gandhi's unwavering faith in non-violence has not been replicated by his followers or others in political or social spheres, leading to ongoing violence, communalism, casteism, and bloodshed in post-independence India. The text then focuses on Acharya Shri Mahapragya, a Jain monk who has practiced non-violence since childhood and recently emphasized practical experiments with it. His "Ahimsa Yatra" (non-violence journey), started in December 2001, has covered about 3,000 kilometers through villages and cities, including riot-affected areas in Gujarat and Maharashtra, drawing attention from national leaders, including the President of India. The journey aims to promote non-violence as a practical solution for societal issues, such as family tensions, through training programs. Acharya Mahapragya advocates for cleaning violent tendencies from within and stresses the need for non-violence training alongside existing violence training for national security. The article concludes by noting that while his experiments have yielded results, broader acceptance and political will are needed, and it expresses hope for continued progress in the new year.
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Conclusion
The document underscores a critical disconnect between the theoretical acceptance of non-violence (ahimsa) and its practical application in contemporary Indian society. Despite India's historical reverence for ahimsa, as championed by Mahatma Gandhi, the text reveals a persistent failure to implement these principles in modern political and social life, evidenced by ongoing communal violence and conflict. The implications are profound: without a genuine, practical commitment to non-violence, societal peace remains elusive. However, the document highlights a hopeful outcome through the ongoing "Ahimsa Yatra" of Acharya Shri Mahapragya, which has successfully brought these principles into public discourse and engaged national leadership. This initiative demonstrates that systematic training and conscious effort can revive ahimsa as a viable solution for resolving contemporary tensions, suggesting a potential path toward a more harmonious society if such efforts gain broader traction.