Non-violence

இன்னா அறிவினை விடாதவர் அனைவரிலும்
மெய்ப்பொருள் காணா தவர்!

He has not let go of hatred totally,
if he does not see the essence of god in everyone!

I think this is the essence of non-violence - to see the essence of god in everyone. I do not see how we can love a serial rapist or a terrorist if we do not see the essence of god in him. This is not to deny that the concerned persons actions are extremely abominable and need to be strongly resisted - which might even involve hitting him as hard as possible as an emergency measure. But, such an action will come out of love and will be resorted to only to restrain the person from causing further pain and suffering.

Thus, everyone is god (some might be in disguise) and need to be loved as is apt for God. All non-violent action is thus directed against actions and situations and never against any individual - irrespective of any despicable acts they are involved in.

A related poem by Thich Nhat Hanh - Call me by my true names


This is in sync with Valluvar's words (kural - 857)!

மிகல்மேவல் மெய்ப்பொருள் காணார் இகல்மேவல்
இன்னா அறிவி னவர்!

He does not see the real truth
who has hatred in his heart!