Ahimsa, in Gandhiji’s perception and practice, is not merely the antonym of “himsa”, i.e., violence. It is the complete control over the intention of harming others. In a way it is a process of purification leading to eradication of the instinct to injure or to kill. To Gandhiji, ahimsa is “the highest ideal”, “complete freedom from ill-will, anger and hate, and an over flowing love for all”, Gandhiji considered perfect non-violence as the highest bravery. “Cowardice and ahimsa do not get together any more then water and fire. True non-violence does not mean that we remain non-violent before the strong and use force on the weak.” Ahimsa means consideration for one and all and offence against none.
Leave a Comment