Ahimsa (Non-Violence): In View of Indian Sages

Conclusion

Conclusion

Kindness is the innate nature of the Mahapurushas. They are moved by compassion towards all because they see this world as God-permeated, because they take all the divine beings as the essential part of God. So they are not opposed to anyone:

Uma Jey Ram Charan Rat, Vigat Kam Mad Krodh.

Nij Prabhumaya Dekhahin Jagat, Kehi San Karahin Virodh. (Manas, 7/112)

They behave so because they are placed on the higher level of spirituality. It is a state of ennoblement; it is a special attitude which they are endowed with. Even the animals, which live in forest near them, do not feel scared and move carefree. They feel assured that danger does not lie in the company of the Mahapurushas. On the contrary they feel well protected.

There is a reference of a Rishi named Nishakar, in the 60th chapter of ‘Kishkindha Kand’ of ‘Balmiki Ramayan’. He lived in the hills of Vindhya ranges. It was this very sage at whose kindness the burnt wings of Sampati again grew up. Sampati saw there that a number bear, deer, lions, tigers and several kinds of snakes followed him when he was coming after taking his bath. When the Rishi reached the Ashram, all of them went back to their places.

Kabandh in the 73rd chapter of ‘Aranyakand’ while introducing the Pampa Sarovar (pond) said, “O, Raghunandan! The birds like swans, karandav, kraunch and kurar always warble in melodious voices. They do not feel scared when they see human beings because they can not apprehend that any human being could even kill them. Such a climate prevailed in Rishyamook, Matang forest, Shabri Ashram and other places of penance of the saints.

It was the first day of ‘Vanvas’ (self-exile) of Lord Buddha. He was moving ahead in his royal dress. He happened to see a man who had worn the clothes of Sanyasis (saints) but was armed with weapons. Buddha asked him the reason of it. He replied that the birds and animals seeing him in that form felt assured of their safety and went near him and become thus approachable easily for hunting. The Buddha said, “You have violated their firm faith in the guise of saints. Please! Exchange your clothes with me. You display my clothes in the market of commissars. You would get good price with which you may lead a better life by earning your livelihood in a better way.” This proves that birds and animals get assured of their safety on seeing the saintly appearances and become fearless. A reference of the Ramcharit Manas is quoted below. It occurs when Shri Ram during his period of exile reached the hermitage of Maharshi Balmiki and saw:

Khag Mrig Vipul Kolahal Karahin.

Birahit Bair Mudit Man Charahin. (Manas, 2/123-8)

Finding Lord Ram in the Chitrakoot, hermitage, the birds and animals feel self-assured:

Kari Kehari Kapi Kol Kuranga.

Bigat Vair Vicharhin Sab Sanga. (Manas, 2/137-1)

Elephants, lions, monkeys, pigs, deer, all of them move together forgetting their instinctive animosity.

Bharat Surveyed the forest areas and found:

Khagah Kari Hari Bagh Baraha | Dekhi Mahish Vrish Saju Saraha

Bayaru Bihai Charihin Ek Sangha | Jahan Tahan Manahun Sen Chaturanga (Manas, 2/235/3-4)

Chitrakoot was the abode of saints. Bharatji found that under the holy influence of the saints, wild animals like rhinoceros were moving together forgetting their instinctive animosity. Lord Ram saw in Panchvati: