Violence always leads to one's own destruction

                         Violence always leads to one's own destruction

Shambara, a king of nether regions in ancient India was a powerful demon. He possessed extraordinary magic powers. He won over all the gods and expanded his kingdom. The gods went to Brahma, the creator and asked for a solution for freedom from the tyranny of the demon king. Brahma consoled them saying, " Have patience and faith. The weapon of the demons is violence. They kill the beings to demonstrate their strength and also to increase their power. And this same violence will lead them to their own destruction."
The same thing happened. Shambara had three army-chiefs who were created by his powers of magic- Dama, Vyala and Kashta. They propagated non- vegetarianism in the whole kingdom. One day a butcher, being exasperated by their cruel attitude said to the chiefs, " When you eat only meat, why don't you kill the animals with your own hands? The meat will be fresh and delicious." They all agreed to this. During the process of killing, seeing the sufferings of animals, a fear of death engulfed them. When there arose fear in their mind, they started feeling weak. The gods waited for some time and attacked the demons. The army of demons out of fear of death did not fight bravely and died in the battle.
Violence is the cause for defeat and self-destruction, because the sight of other's suffering depletes the strength and weakens the mind and the body. As is the food, so are the thoughts. The nature of the food partaken shapes the thoughts and mind of the eater. That is why simple plain fresh natural food is recommended in the scriptures for cultivation of good thoughts. Good thoughts generate love which cements the people irrespective of age, gender, color, caste or religion which are only man-made divisions.
All religions teach the ethical rules such as: " Do not kill; do not injure others; Love your neighbour," etc.  The Hindu religion emphasizes- ' There is one All-pervading Atman. It is the inner soul of all beings. It is hidden in all creatures. It the common , pure consciousness. If you injure your neighbour you actually injure yourself.' This is the basic metaphysical truth that underlies all ethical codes.
If you follow these simple sayings when you do any action - ' Do as you be done by. Do unto others, as you wish others do unto you' , you will be saved from all troubles. If you follow these wise maxims, you can never give any pain unto others. It has positive effect also. By following these sayings of wisdom, you can find yourself always at peace and joy. This is the real goal of life. And this is the real achievement in and of life.