Gyaneshwari -Sant Gyaneshwar
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Chapter-13
The field and the knower of the field
Some do not cook grain for fear of causing injury, but they cause torture to their own bodies, which is itself injury. Try to understand O Arjuna, this perverse doctrine of the ritualistic, that violence committed in accordance with scriptural injunction amounts to non-violence. I had a mind to tell you all this at the very onset, so that you can know such spurious non-violence properly and avoid it. These views usually figure in any discussion of non-violence. Otherwise, who would like to deviate from the straight-forward course (of explaining one’s own views) (236-240)? Moreover, O Arjuna. it is essential to take note of the relevant doctrines of other systems in order to explain one’s propositions clearly. This is the usual method of discussion. Now I shall tell you my own view of non-violence. If one sees these characteristics of nonviolence in a person, one can be sure that he has attained knowledge. Just as gold can be tested on the touchstone, so one can judge from his conduct, whether he is imbued with true non-violence or not. Now hear, O Arjuna, how on the attainment of knowledge his mind becomes impressed with non-violence (241-245). Just as the crane fixing its eyes on the prey, swiftly but cautiously treads the water without disturbing and breaking the ripples or as the bee lands lightly on the lotus for fear of crushing the pollens in it, so realising that even the particles of dust are covered by tiny creatures, he (the non-violent person), places his feet cautiously on the ground out of compassion. In whatever direction he goes, he fills it up with affection and takes care of the tiny life under his feet more than his own life (246-250). |
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