Mahatma Gandhi’s Thoughts on Ahimsa and Non-Violence
Mahatma Gandhi laid great emphasis on the importance of ahimsa or non-violence always. He advocated the non-violent technique of satyagraha, which is based on the princple of ahimsa, to achieve ones goals. During the Indian struggle for independence, Gandhi used non-violence and effectively taught his followers to follow ahimsa even in the face of confrontation.
Many of the famous quotes by Gandhi that have been extracted from his writings and speeches reveal his belief that violence could never be the way to achieve any objective. In his book titled “My Non-violence”, an excerpt of paragraph below, Gandhi highlights the concept of ahimsa which he upheld throughout his life.
Non-violence is not a cover for cowardice, but it is the supreme virtue of the brave. Exercise of non-violence requires far greater bravery than that of swordsmanship. Cowardice is wholly inconsistent with non-violence. Translation from swordsmanship to non-violence is possible and, at times, even an easy stage. Non-violence, therefore, presupposes ability to strike. It is a conscious, deliberate restraint put upon one’s desire for vengeance. But vengeance is any day superior to passive, effeminate and helpless submission. Forgiveness is higher still. Vengeance too is weakness. The desire for vengeance comes out of fear of harm, imaginary or real. A dog barks and bites when he fears. A man who fears no one on earth would consider it too troublesome even to summon up anger against one who is vainly trying to injure him.
