When we begin to lose touch with our real values, we are enslaved by negative tendencies, writes Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj
Today we are living in a world where violence has become our culture. It may be seen in the hundreds of wars going on in different parts of the world or it may be seen through innumerable violent incidents that occur everyday in cities and homes across the universe. So what exactly has lead to spread violence so much even though people strongly denounce itIJ We all know that the history of human civilisation, is an epic saga of violence punctuated by episodes of relative calm. Violence, subtle and gross, manifest and incognito, has been the defining force of humanity’s quest for power in the last two millennia.The rise and fall of empires, the religious crusades and socio-political uprisings down the ages were impelled by violence on a massive scale.
One of the major reasons as to why violence has become so deeply embedded in the human psyche is that on one hand we denounce it but on the other hand we condone or even justify it. In the 21st century, that we all boast of living in, violence was been glorified in ingenious ways by the media, especially television, internet and films. Today even toys, cartoons and comics spread the virus of violence in young minds. Hence, a world that has been fed so much on violence is no wonder becoming increasingly dangerous to live in for its occupants.
It’s a known fact that today violence has become the means to seek political and social justice. Men kill men in the name of almighty, and later on these killings are then justified as dharma by the custodians of religion when it is used for a righteous purpose. Amidst all these, a question that comes up is that ‘Can one really justify so much of ViolenceIJ’ Or, can violence ever root out adharma (unrighteousness)IJ In order to conquer adharma we need to first understand the true dharma of the self.
We all must realise that good or evil are in fact the traits of the human soul and even after death these traits or sanskars are carried on to the next birth. These sanskars may change or become stronger as per the person’s karma in the next life. Hence, it follows that one may kill an evil person but one cannot destroy the evil in that person. It would instead increase due to feelings of hatred and revenge.
Remember, an evil act is bound to be punished as per the ‘law of Karma’ in the present or the next birth, because there is a natural justice system that works infallibly and eternally. Hence, one must never think that if someone avenges a wrong by doing wrong in turn, he/she will not suffer. No, the truth is that in this case, both the persons will have to pay for their respective wrong actions by undergoing some suffering, because any act done with ill will towards others is violence and it is bound to bring sorrow for the doer. Hence, a person may escape the laws of the land but his karma will catch up with him sooner or later for sure.
We all have our own definitions and philosophies as far as religion goes. However, it is very important for all to understand the philosophy behind the word religion or dharma. Dharma in the true sense simply means living by the eternal spiritual values such as peace and love. When we share love and goodwill with others it is bound to stir up similar feelings in that person. On the contrary when we hate and harm others it is bound to spark off ill will in them. The world that God created for us was a completely non-violent and harmonious world where no evil existed. Goodness exists eternally; it is when we begin to lose touch with our real values that we are enslaved by negative tendencies.
We are all children of “Almighty” who is the ocean of love, peace and joy, so his qualities are our qualities too eternally, aren’t theyIJ That is why all humans resist hatred. They never resist love or joy. God never forgets his values while we do so due to our own ignorance. He is always merciful and benevolent towards all, so how can he justify violenceIJ
Hence the only way to bring peace & harmony back on earth is to empower ourselves spiritually and rid our minds of all negativities. This will uproot violence completely out of world and world would become the one that it was, serene & peaceful.