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What is Nonviolence?

The philosophy of nonviolence can be defined as the opposition to the use of violent force in solving conflicts. Almost all traditions in the world have taught nonviolence in one way or another. From the simple statement of : "Thou shalt not kill" in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament to the more complex philosophy of Ahimsa (the absence of the desire to harm) propounded by the Buddha twenty-five hundred years ago, nonviolence has been a basic spiritual and moral teaching for centuries. Violence is not necessarily restricted to crime, wars, and conflicts between people. It also includes environmental violence, corporate violence, and the violent attitudes that are perpetuated in the media. In looking at violence, we must address something far more complex than just the raising of an arm or the pulling of a trigger.

"Never in this world is hate appeased by hatred; 
  it is only appeased by love.
  This is the eternal law." 
                                                                         --from the Dhammapada

Glynnise