My followers shall never kill any living being under any circumstances. Knowingly, not even small insects like lice, bugs, etc.
My followers shall never kill any living being under any circumstances. Knowingly, not even small insects like lice, bugs, etc.
In the first six Shlokas of Samanya Dharma, Lord Swaminarayan affirms his stance upon the Law of Ahimsa (non-violence or non-injury). This is indeed a great pillar of our Sanatan Hindu Dharma that should be accepted by all.
Shatanand Muni informs us that man plunges in this ‘sea’ of worldly life, performing a variety of actions in order to secure salvation (Moksha), the fourth Purushartha, as this is understood to be man’s only reason or aim of living. The fulfilment of such a quest is derived through observance of Ahimsa Dharma.
Ahimsa Dharma is as big and majestic as Sanatan Dharma (the eternal law) which is common for all. It is the very root of Hindu Dharma. It is the basis of humanity and it’s deep message of compassion for all of God’s creatures is the essence of the teachings of our great Rishis (enlightened saints). Therefore a good grasp or understanding of the underlying principles of Ahimsa is an important factor for all.
The Smrutis say, Na Himsyat Sarvabhutani - ‘Never kill any living creature,’ which is exactly the message that Lord Swaminarayan delivers in this first Shloka. Therefore Ahimsa is accepted in all popular Shastras and is to be accepted by all in every rank of Hinduism. Indeed it is a common Dharma which spreads to all people of all religion’s as most religions endorse such a law of compassion.
The Shloka addresses the non-killing of all creatures no matter how great or small they are from whales to fleas. No animal, bird, fish, insect or human whatsoever should be killed or even harmed in anyway. This is the prime directive for humans.
It is written that we commit sin by intentionally or even unintentionally killing or harming a creature just as we are scolded by fire if we intentionally or unintentionally go too close to it. However Apdurdhadharma explains, ‘A person who conforms to doing Prayaschit (intoning sins - righteous actions to redeem sins) after unintentionally harming a creature will result in the sin being lifted from such person.’ However no such redemption is written for intentionally killing. Yagnavalkya Muni writes, ‘Sin without knowledge (unintentional) can be lifted through Prayaschit, but Prayaschit performed for intentional sin will lead to at most nothing more than of social acceptance.’ Therefore you will then be accepted by society for the committing of this intentional sin, after Prayaschit, but as Mitakshara says, ‘Prayaschit will never eradicate sins committed intentionally.’
It is said that two-fold Prayaschit should be observed for the committal of intentional sin compared to committal of unintentional sin. Thus the sin for committing intentional sin is far greater.
The great Shrimad Bhagwad further adds: ‘Those who inflict pain upon God’s creatures are firmly consigned to Andhakupa Narak (a specific infernal region). There, he is forced to endure great pain from various animals, birds, snakes etc. as they bite and torment him.’ Shatanand concludes by urging us to keep this in mind and to never harm any creature. Only such course of action will offer us a place in the Heavens!
In this Shloka there has been a lot of discussion of Prayaschit (nullification) of sins. Therefore let us study this aspect further. Our Puranas endorse five methods of Prayaschit - the Panch Mahayagnas:
(1) Bhuta Yagna - Refers to religious practices such as Pooja, Dandvat, Seva, fasting etc. as a means of nullifying the sin.
(2) Atithi Yagna - This is service to a stranger or guest. To welcome others, offer them food etc.
(3) Matru/Pithru Yagna - Service to ones parents or elders. Our ancient scriptures speak of ‘Matru Devo Bhava - Pitru Deva Bhava.’ Thus one should serve one’s parents as they would serve God.
(4) Brahman Yagna - The study of Vedas and other religious scriptures.
(5) Deva Yagna - Involves Daan - donation of wealth to God (via temples etc.) and Brahmins.
This is a brief outline of the various Prayaschits. However for correct and suitable performance of Prayaschit, one should seek the advice of a Sadhu or elder who will specify which course of action to take.
Lord Swaminarayan has adopted this great Dharma of Ahimsa that has been propounded by our great Rishis. It is our duty to follow suite and forever be true to its teachings and never violate it