Welcome back to Morning Musings with Swami Ishwarananda. In this episode, we delve deeper into the value of Non-Violence, exploring the nuanced relationship between motive and action. Can consuming food, hunting, or even parenting be considered acts of violence? Swami Ishwarananda sheds light on these complex questions, emphasizing that the motive behind an act is what truly defines its nature.

He shares thought-provoking anecdotes from the life of Mahatma Gandhi and instances in parenting to illustrate how acts perceived as violent can sometimes stem from compassion and benevolence. Reflecting on teachings from the Bhagavadgita, Swami Ishwarananda encourages spiritual seekers to ponder the deeper motivations behind their actions and to practice sensitivity, compassion, and non-violence in their daily lives.

Join us as we explore questions such as:

• How does the motive behind an action determine whether it is violent or non-violent?
• Why might a seemingly harsh action, like a surgeon’s knife or parental discipline, actually be an act of compassion?
• What can we learn from Mahatma Gandhi’s life about practicing non-violence in difficult circumstances?

Tune in for thoughtful reflections that challenge our views and encourage us to see the true intentions behind our actions.