Non-Violence
The most important and universal value, as spoken of in the Veda and in many philosophies is Ahimsa (Non-Violence/ Non-hurting). Following this value enables one to live with a sense of deeper fulfilment in life and will prepare the mind for the more profound wisdom of Self-Knowledge yet to come.
Ahimsa manifests in our actions (Karma) towards the world around us including people, animals, plants, insects and the environment. Violence in action can be 3-fold – physical, verbal and mental. Killing an animal inflicts unwanted pain upon the animal, hence why non-violence can physically manifest in the form of being a vegetarian. Non-violence also manifests in the form of speech which has the 4 characteristics described in Gita Chapt 17.15: "Speak that which is…(1) True, and (2) Pleasant to hear, and (3) Beneficial, and (4) Non-disturbing." Also, even thinking ill of anyone is something we should try and overcome with an attitude of patience and compassion – much like a mother feels for her child.
Finally we saw how the value of Ahimsa must be applied in each situation using your common sense – sometimes a little pain needs to be inflicted in order to save a much greater pain if the intention is for the greater good! e.g. a surgeon cutting open a patient to save their life causes pain to the patient in order to save their life. This is clearly justified pain in the patient’s greater interest. A war scenario like in Mahabharata whereby without engaging in the hurt involved in battle, the entire society and value structure for generations would have been in ruins causing even greater violence and chaos longer term.
