Real World Ahimsa
Let me begin with a basic statement. I don't like Gandhi for a lot of reasons. But that is not the focus of this post. But the philosophy of Ahimsa I feel is relevant.It is funny contradicts the phrase "Criticise the idea, not the person" in this case "I like the idea, not the person". This is similar to I don't believe Krishna , God-demons but I do believe that Gita and its philosophies makes life better to live.

Ahmisa is the opposite of Himsa which means "Violence" this needs to be interpreted as not just physical violence but mental violence. I consider violence is an act performed to inflict PAIN be
it physical or mental. So ahimsa is the art of not causing pain to others in any form.

In this blog my quick thoughts at Ahmisa in the house and at work.

Himsa at home

• As children we talk back / defy parents.
• As spouses we scold / put down / insult / scorn our partners.
• As parents we do the same to our kids.

Himsa at Work

• Admonish subordinates when they make a mistake.
• Put down support staff.
• Launch verbal/non-verbal attacks on peer when in competition.
  

Somethings which come to my mind

• Never insult or scold loved one.
• React in a delayed manner. Hold back instant reactions.
• Consciously make sure you do not hurt anyone with words. Pain caused by words never heal.
• NEVER EVER INSULT people. You can never win by insulting, maybe you can put them down for sometime. It is difference between capturing and winning over.
• Even though people around you don't meet your standards in ethics/ hard work/ cleanliness/ sincerity whatever THEY STILL HAVE TO RESPECTED AS HUMANS. Having a bad habit is a criteria to treat another person as a lesser mortal. I guess that is also DISCRIMINATION. Discrimination in any for is bad.

I can hear people saying - "Dude, this is easier said than done , Thanks for the advice." :-)

Let me share some tips that I do to practice to achieve the above. It is all about mental conditioning.

• Never think low of another person just because the other does meet your expectations. He does deserve respect as a human being. For e.g. this could be your 3 year old kid who did not drink milk for the 100th time.
• There is no way you can expect to get respected by someone who you just insulted.
• More often than not the ones who are subdued momentarily look for a chance to rebel. A friend of mine after adjusting to his parents for 30 years refuse to come to India just his parents stay here.

If we make a conscious effort not to inflict pain even unintentionally to people around us , our lives will become better. I guess there is a "Self-fish" motive of wanting to do this , that being I having a peaceful and harmonious life with my surroundings.

Would love to hear from others if I am practical or too theoretical here.