Ahimsa

I have to say, I had to agree with the limitations to the practice of ahimsa. Of course it’s “impossible” (238) and I don’t mean to be offensive, but it seems almost silly to strive for this state of “perfected souls” (235). I have actually found that our world, while sometimes a seemingly cruel and selfish place, is an interesting and fulfilling world to live in.

Ahimsa says that we “should put up with insults, rebukes, criticisms, and assaults [and] never retaliate” (236). However, I have found that arguments and conflict shape the world we live in. It is within the dynamics of a human being and also the relationships we form with others. Conflict is how we can reach solutions and learn to accept one another for their faults. And I definitely know that I have heard more than once that perfection can grow irritating. A world in harmony does seem ideal. However, I really don’t think that’s what we want. No one knows what a world would be like in perfect harmony because that hasn’t ever happened, so why do we think that it would be so wonderful if it actually happened?

I feel like if a person tried to practice ahimsa, they would grow more and more frustrated until finally they would lose patience entirely and act in a completely irrational manner. For example, I had a huge fight with my mother over the winter break. In addition to learning about her insecurity about my relationship with my dad, I also learned some other important aspects of our relationship. She and my dad are divorced, so I came to realize some new things about how she feels and reacts to my dad. I realized that I had to be sensitive when talking about spending time with him as well as her. I also learned the rewards of making up with someone you love. I spent about two months not speaking to her (and vice versa) and then when I saw her again, she apologized and we are on normal terms again. These sorts of things strengthen relationships between people and I’ve realized that if I were to practice ahimsa, I could not have these sorts of fights. My mother and I could not say hurtful (yet true) things to each other and fight. We couldn’t ignore each other (because that would be contradicting ahimsa) and thus I would never realize how much I missed talking to her and being able to share things with her.

My mom and I

Although conflict is what shapes and defines the world we live in, we cherish the actions of those that are kind and sympathetic. Jude could not “bear to hurt anything” (228). It would be nice if “our very survival” did not have to “involve[] violence of one kind of another” and we should strive to be kind to others (247). But differences should be embraced and discussed. If I don’t necessarily agree with something that someone believes in, I can have a talk about why I don’t agree with them. While I embrace the idea of ahimsa and doing good things for the world, I can’t quite agree with the entire concept. Say mean things, think mean things, because at the end of the day we (as human beings) can learn to forgive each other and move forward as a race.

But my friend brought up an interesting concept. He said that maybe the perfection of an idea like ahimsa scares us because we never experience anything like that. It’s out of the norm and thus we shun what’s unfamiliar. So, should we continue to strive for this absolute perfection or merely accept our society’s faults and move forward? I find myself content to work for a state that maybe falls short of ahimsa. I would like people to treat each other well, but I have to admit that I enjoy a good argument and conflicts once in a while.