We live in an age where the media has made a powerful impact on local cultures and created a kind of global culture that has some common features across the world.
Some of the easily identifiable features of this culture are love for fast food and addiction to digital devices. There is another feature that has spread worldwide through the media in gross and subtle ways and impacted us gravely — the culture of violence. Whether through comics, video games, movies, websites, or television news channels, people of all ages are now exposed to sounds and images of violence.
The subtle attack on our senses and sensibilities by this barrage of violent content has made us increasingly insensitive and aggressive. We have become inured to common acts of violence. We take note or voice concern only when violence reaches the level of brutality. Or, when it affects our life or people or places we identify with. The public debate that follows egregious acts of violence usually consists of loud rhetoric and calls for deterrent legal and penal measures.
Hardly ever does anyone think about the root cause of violence. Is it caused only by criminals and inadequate law-enforcement, or are we all collectively responsible for it?
Many people argue that violence is necessary in some cases, particularly for self-defence – in order to save ourselves from harm, we have to use violence as the last resort. However, nobody can know beforehand what kind of security they would need if they are attacked.
Some others contend that violence is the best means to weed out criminals and antisocial elements from society. Killing a dacoit or murderer is a necessity for the larger public good, they say. Similarly, they contend that killing terrorists to save the lives of innocent people is essential for public security. But we know that killing criminals does not reduce the rate of crime. It may have a temporary effect, but in the long run we have to address the root cause of violence and aim to create a society where no one feels the need to resort to violence, whether lawfully or otherwise.
Violence in any form is a bad choice. Weapons cannot bring peace or harmony in the world. The law of karma teaches us that fear brings more fear and hatred spawns more hatred. One act of violence, whether in defence or retribution, triggers many more acts of violence.
The greatest enemies we need to save ourselves from are lurking within us. Lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego are the biggest threats to our peace and happiness. When we act under the influence of such negative traits, we harm ourselves, our destiny, and our true well-being. Blinded by these vices, we chase temporary gains forgetting that by violating our innate values we are creating conditions that will bring us suffering. All acts of crime and wrongdoing are rooted in these vices.
All human souls are originally pure, with no trace of vices. Purity is the harbinger of lasting peace and happiness. A pure soul cannot be harmed. The best way to secure and save ourselves from all kinds of harm is to be good, do good, and stay connected to our original, pure self and God, the ocean of peace.
B.K. Atam Prakash is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.