Ahimsa 2 - A Dynamic Way Of Life Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

Ahimsa 2 - A Dynamic Way Of Life

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A dialogue between the teacher and the pupil


The pupil asks his teacher:
'Sir, what is ‘Ahimsa'?
The teacher answers:
'Ahimsa is a comprehensive word
Encompassing a whole lot of virtues!
Ahimsa has to be practised in thought, word and deed!

The teacher continues:
'Ahimsa is the recognition of unity of life,
Wherein, each individual is a part and parcel
Of this one big world!
We are not separate, but One of the Whole.

The pupil weighed down by the enormity of the word says:
'But sir, how can I recognise the unity of life?
How do I learn to be a part of this universe? '

The teacher replies:
'Firstly, you have to seek the right knowledge from a Guru!
And then, you need to make sincere effort to study the scriptures
With a focused mind,
And work continuously and persistently with tireless determination!

The pupil questions again:
'O dear! But how is it possible for me to recognise a Guru? '
The teacher answers:
'A Guru is a worthy teacher capable of
Removing the ignorance from the minds of his pupils,
And fill the void with light of knowledge!
A knowledgeable teacher is able to answer all the queries,
Clear all doubts and confusions experienced by the student.
At the same time, remains bathed in humility and grace.
It is only a Guru endowed with a compassionate heart,
Walks, talks, and lives the path of Ahimsa.'

The pupil sits close to the teacher,
Listening with rapt attention!
Smiling graciously, the teacher explains in a vivid manner:

'The great Sage Patanjali is the Grand Master of Yoga -
A Guru par excellence!
Sage Patanjali expostulates
Ahimsa as a ‘Mahavratam' or a great vow!
Just as the giant footprints of an elephant
Can hold within its feet the footprints of all animals,
So does Ahimsa embrace within its folds
Numerous virtues!

In order to accomplish Ahimsa,
The first step -
Is to get rid of three nasty germs -
Greed, anger and hatred!
Then, an attitude of ‘Pratipaksha bhavana'-
A sublime act of paradigm shift
From the repulsive to the redeemed!
An extremely difficult act though,
But if mastered,
Becomes an act of retrospection,
And nobility!
When this sublime attitude
Is fully ignited and activated,
Hail! It is victory!
A great battle won over the complex mind!

Prevention of pain and injury
To any living being;
The highest humanitarian act
Is the path of Ahimsa!

'Respected sir' says the student:
'It is too much to grasp and accomplish the path of Ahimsa!
Isn't this an arduous and strenuous path? '

'So it is! ' answers the Guru calmly.
'One cannot practise Ahimsa simply by the flick of your hat!
It will take days, months, years and
Perhaps, even centuries,
To achieve Ahimsa in totality!
Not just this birth, several births to finally reach the goal!
But atleast, you could begin working on it!
Begin your journey now and you will never regret it,
The virtuous path - that would lead to enlightenment! '

Monday, June 22, 2015
Topic(s) of this poem: nonviolence,learning,teacher,yoga
POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
The word 'Ahimsa' has innumerable virtues ingrained in it. In this age of high technology and materialism, one has forgotten to develop the inner being. Ahimsa is a dynamic principle which means non-injury to any form of life. Buddha, Mahavira and the Seers of ancient India practised Ahimsa. Mahatma Gandhi revived and propagated Ahimsa in a glorious manner, through his own exemplary life.
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Manas Madrecha 22 June 2015

It's a beautiful detailed explanation of why one should resort to non-violence...

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Thank You Manas! In these days of terrorism and hatred, the high principles of 'Ahimsa' if practised by each individual would eventually lead to world peace. However, it should start from the grass root level.

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Ratnakar Mandlik 22 July 2016

Dear Madam, a journey through all the ten episodes on Ahimsa was very refreshing as well as rewarding. You have very beautifully unfolded the basics on which the foundation of the edifice of Yoga, and the spiritual streams akin to it , are woven. The ten episodes are more or less discourses elaborating the virtues, along with their importance in practicing Ahimsa by SADHAK and yogi. Thanks for sharing them on PH as they will continue to inspire many people from different continents and nations for many, many years to turn to this way of life. Regards. Ratnakar Mandlik

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Namaskar Ratnakar ji, I am blessed that a noble poet like you has gone through ten of my Ahimsa poems. Words fail me as to how i can thank you. i bow down with humility and gratitude. May God bless you and your dear family.

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Dr Antony Theodore 18 August 2018

Ahimsa as a ‘Mahavratam' or a great vow! Just as the giant footprints of an elephant Can hold within its feet the footprints of all animals, So does Ahimsa embrace within its folds Numerous virtues! , the Philosophy of Ahimsa well explained....... it is a life time work to achieve the deeper notes of Ahimsa........ may God bless us to achieve these Virtues and become noble alredy here on earth. tony

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Praveen Menon 20 January 2021

Removing ignorance....yes that's what every guru does. Loved reading this. Fabulous

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Vrinda 20 January 2021

The poem is very meaningful.

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Indulekha Menon 19 January 2021

This poem the poet writes on ahimsa, which leads to enlightment if thr soul

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Unnikrishnan E S 04 January 2021

The most sublime definition of Ahimsa: The virtuous path that leads to Enlightment

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Edward Kofi Louis 09 August 2019

Calmness! ! Muse of love and life. Thanks for sharing this poem with us.

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