Nature has its own way of functioning, and every living being follows its course, including the law of the jungle, “Survival of the fittest.” We often come across situations where we witness animals hunting for their food, and it leaves us with a question, “Should we feel pity for the prey or the predator?” It’s a dilemma that has puzzled us for ages.
It is natural for humans to empathize with weaker animals. However, we must understand that it’s the law of nature, and we should respect it. Animals do not hunt for pleasure, but it’s their survival instinct that drives them to hunt. Predators like tigers, lions, and cheetahs are on top of the food chain and play a significant role in maintaining the ecosystem. They keep a check on the herbivores’ population and ensure the balance of the food chain. At the same time, it is also essential to realize that hunting is not a pleasant experience for the predator or the prey. The prey struggles for survival, and the predator needs to put in considerable effort to hunt its prey. The death of a deer might be heartbreaking for us, but it’s the circle of life, and we need to accept it.
While violence is an inevitable part of nature, we as humans have the power to make a conscious choice. We have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that we practice just and humane behavior. It’s not about completely eradicating violence from our lives but being mindful of our actions and making sure that they are justified. We can apply this philosophy to our everyday lives. When we consume animal products, we need to ensure that the animals are treated humanely and not subjected to any form of cruelty. Similarly, we need to ensure that we are treating our fellow humans with compassion and respect.
When it comes to the preference for food, there is a common misconception that eating vegetables is a part of non-violence, and eating meat is violence. However, this is not entirely true. While it is true that animals are sentient beings that experience pain and emotions, we need to understand that plants are also living beings. They may not have a central nervous system, but they do have a complex network of cells that can perceive and respond to their environment. Recent studies have found that plants can also communicate and express themselves, especially when they undergo stress or unfavorable circumstances. They produce sounds, chemicals, and even release electrical signals to convey their messages to other plants and organisms in their surroundings. In some ways, this means that plants are also capable of feeling and experiencing in their unique way. It’s crucial to understand that eating plant-based food alone cannot be considered non-violent. Instead, we need to focus on consuming food that is sustainably and ethically sourced, whether it’s plant-based or animal-based. We can choose to eat locally grown produce or opt for meat from farms that prioritize animal welfare and follow ethical practices.
It is important to note that the concept of non-violence or ahimsa is not explicitly found in ancient Indian philosophy. Rather, the texts highlight the importance of violence in a justifiable manner. The Bhagavad Gita, for instance, calls for fighting with one’s own family members and beloved people in order to protect dharma. The emergence of the principles of non-violence appeared after the teachings of Lord Buddha, who propagated a negative perspective of life, saying that everything is impermanent and life is full of sorrows. While the Buddha’s teachings have helped many people find inner peace and harmony, it is worth noting that the Buddhist way of life is often characterized by humility and a lack of striving for material wealth or accomplishments.
However, in today’s world of competition and survival of the fittest, being aggressive to a certain extent is necessary. If we stop striving for riches or other accomplishments in life and adopt a mindset of non-violence, we risk becoming marginalized and left behind in the world. This is not just a personal concern, but a global one as well. If everyone adopts a non-violent approach to life, progress and growth could be severely limited.
The story of India’s freedom struggle is often associated with the figure of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is widely regarded as the father of the nation. However, this narrative overlooks the contributions of the countless men and women who fought and sacrificed for India’s independence, and whose names have been conveniently forgotten or ignored. While Gandhi’s principles of non-violence did inspire and guide the freedom struggle, it is important to recognize that it was a collective effort that ultimately led to India’s independence.
Gandhi’s skills as a mediator and his ability to put pressure on the British government and international community were certainly valuable, but it was the sacrifices of ordinary Indians that made the difference. It is also true that his actions for negotiation ultimately led to the division of India, which was a tragic consequence of the times. It is also worth noting that Gandhi’s personal beliefs and actions, such as his choice to consume goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk, are a matter of interpretation and personal choice. It is time to bust the myth that India’s freedom was a result of the so-called principles of non-violence.
While the principles of non-violence may have their place in certain contexts, it is important to recognize that the world we live in is not always a peaceful or just one. In many cases, aggression and even violence can be necessary in order to defend oneself or one’s loved ones, or to achieve certain goals or objectives. It is important, however, that any acts of violence be undertaken in a controlled and justifiable manner, with due consideration for the consequences and impact on others. This is the approach advocated by many Indian philosophies, which emphasize the importance of violence in a justifiable and controlled manner. Ultimately, in a world where competition and survival of the fittest are the norm, a purely non-violent approach is often not feasible or realistic. Instead, what is needed is a balanced approach that recognizes the importance of violence in certain situations, but also the need for restraint and responsibility.
उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत।
क्षुरस्य धारा निशिता दुरत्यया दुर्गं पथस्तत्कवयो वदन्ति ॥
thus says Upanishads. Arise, awake, find out the great ones and learn of them; for sharp as a razor’s edge, hard to traverse, difficult of going is that path, say the sages.
When the evils of the world surround,
And hope and peace can’t be found,
It’s time to take up weapons and fight,
To push back against the dark of night.
For if we sit and do nothing at all,
The world will surely watch us fall,
Mocking our failure, our defeat,
As we retreat in shame, our hearts replete.
But those who stand and face the fray,
Who take up arms and refuse to sway,
They are the ones who change the course,
Who bring light to the world, and lift it with force.
Take up weapons, when the time is right,
And face the evils with all your might,
For it’s only in the fight, that we find,
The strength to move forward!
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