Philosophy of Non-Violence

Many reasons can be offered for the employment of non-violence. It is a 'weapon' available to all. It breaks the cycle of violence and counter-violence. It is more likely to produce a constructive rather than a destructive outcome. It is a method of conflict resolution that may aim to arrive at the truth of a given situation rather than mere victory for one side and it is the only method of struggle that is consistent with the teachings of the major religions. Non-violence can also be the basis for a way of life. It is consistent with a belief in the underlying unity of humankind and it is the only method of action, interpersonal or political, that does not block that path to what has often called 'self-realisation'. In this book an effort is made to present how far non-violence would be accepted as a way of life with reference to different non-violent methods applied in various religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism and an attempt is also made to bring out some distinct views of historical persons and thinkers like Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo and Vinoba Bhave on non-violence.