ANUVRAT GLOBAL ORGANIZATION

On the Occasion of the New Year

Let Us Pledge to Observe Ahimsa in Our Day-To-Day Actions

At the dawn of the New Year I wonder if the people realize that the rapidly expanding cloud of a culture of violence and hatred that seems to be closing in on humanity poses a potential threat to our survival. The rise in the incidents of rape, shooting innocent children in schools, religious fanaticism, corruption and unethical practices have shaken the world recently. The root-cause lies in our system of education which is bereft of any programme of inculcating ethical values among children who are the future citizens of India. The only alternative before us is to impart training in nonviolence to children and youths across the world. Late His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya has left us a legacy in the form of a global course for training in nonviolence. The present Anushasta His Holiness Acharya Shri Mahashraman Ji is also striving hard to awaken consciousness of ahimsa among people. Parents should encourage their children to attend this course in nonviolence. We are sure it will bring about attitudinal changes in them.

Nonviolence is not mere abstinence from physical violence. Mental and verbal forms of violence are more dangerous and harmful than physical violence. They are responsible for many of our ailments. Nonviolence is an inner awakening which enhances our emotional competence to combat our tendencies to indulge in violence and hatred. Violence first appears in our thoughts, is then expressed verbally and lastly it results in physical injury. The first lesson of nonviolence is to develop our power of resolution or determination to control or restrain our impulsive impetuosity. For that we have small vows (anuvrats). Let us pledge ourselves to refrain from violence in thought, word and dead. Let us make a small beginning by resolving to observe the following anuvrats.

I will not kill any innocent human being deliberately.

• I will try to refrain from killing any other innocent living being too.
• I will not commit suicide.

I will always believe in human solidarity.

• I will not discriminate on the basis of caste, colour and creed nor will I consider anyone low or high or untouchable.

I will practise religious tolerance.

• I will not rouse sectarian frenzy.

I will fix a limit to my possessions (material assets).

• I will not accumulate unnecessary things or unnecessary wealth.

I will always remain vigilant towards the problem of environment and ecology.

• I will not cut down green trees.
• I will not waste water and electricity.

These are small vows (anuvrats) which everyone who supports a culture of ahimsa should take. It will be a ‘small step’ for an individual but ‘a giant leap’ for mankind.

I seize the opportunity to wish you a happy new year.

Dr. S.L. Gandhi
International President
Anuvrat Vishva Bharati (ANUVIBHA)
B-402, Nagar Residency, Main Calgary Road
Malviya Nagar, Jaipur - 302 017 (Raj.)
Ph: 98280 16989 email: