Nonviolence Quote by Eknath Easwaran
““violence only makes a situation worse. It cannot help but provoke a violent response. Strictly speaking, satyagraha is not “nonviolence.” It is a means, a method. The word we translate as “nonviolence” is a Sanskrit word central in Buddhism as well: ahimsa, the complete absence of violence in word and even thought as well as action. This sounds negative, just as “nonviolence” sounds passive. But like the English word “flawless,” ahimsa denotes perfection. Ahimsa is unconditional love; satyagraha is love in action. Gandhi’s message””
About This Quote
Nonviolence is not passive; it is active love and disciplined action.
In simple terms: Nonviolence = active love.
Key Takeaway
Practice compassionate resistance.
Themes
nonviolence
love
resistance
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
ethical
motivational
When to use this quote
- social movements
- personal conflicts
- political protest
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
activism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you embody love in conflict?
- What actions reflect ahimsa?
A Different Perspective
Nonviolence may be challenged by violent opposition.
![“[I]t must be emphasized that nonviolent resistance is not a method for cowards; it does resist. If one uses this method because he is afraid or merely because he lacks the instruments of violence, he is not truly nonviolent. This is why Gandhi often said that if cowardice is the only alternative…” quote by Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74a/martin-luther-king-jr-127_alternatives_i-t-must-be-emphasized-that-nonviolent-r_2830581.jpg)
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
