In human-nature relationship, the practice of gentleness emerges as a fundamental approach to human interactions with non-human beings. Indian religions uphold and teach the virtue of gentleness, symbolized by ahimsa (nonviolence), as integral to personal moral development. Ahimsa extends to all living beings, regardless of size or form. Among the four major Indian religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism – Jainism stands out for its profound and radical interpretation and application of ahimsa. Jainism is rooted in the belief that every living entity, including certain non-living elements like air and water, possesses a varying level of consciousness and complexity. Jains are encouraged to manifest the highest degree of nonviolence in their daily conduct and adopt a vegetarian diet to minimize harm to living beings. Recognizing the presence of minute organisms in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the surfaces that we move or rest on, we assume responsibility for the harm we may cause.[1] Jains are taught to live with minimal harm. Within Jain ascetic tradition, there exists a rare practice of self-starvation to death, viewed as the ultimate act of ahimsa. This decision stems from pure motives, detachment from the physical body, and compassion for all living beings. This sacred passing is revered for its transformative potential in advancing the soul towards liberation, attainable by those who have achieved elevated levels of compassion and wisdom. These individuals willingly choose death over inflicting pain or harm, even to the tiniest creatures.[2]
In Buddhism, ahimsa also serves as the primary precept and unequivocally denounces the intentional harm of sentient beings as morally reprehensible. The teachings of the Dhammapada reminds that all living beings, akin to ourselves, instinctively recoil at the mere thought of pain and hold their own lives dear. Consequently, the intentional infliction of suffering upon others is a grave injustice that cannot be justified (Dp.129-130). Buddhism advocates for the cultivation of gentleness not only in our day-to-day interactions with fellow human beings and animals, but also in our choice of livelihood, urging us to abstain from occupations that cause harm to others (A.V.177; The.242-3). Although the non-violence virtue directly applies to how we treat other sentient beings, it would be incongruous for an individual to display gentleness towards humans and animals while callously disregarding the well-being of plants and even inanimate entities. A genuinely gentle person would be expected to extend the same demeanor towards other beings such as plants and even non-living things like a historic boulder or a cave. When gentleness permeates a person’s veins, it is displayed in his/her actions which affect all the things around him/her.
In Christianity, much like in Indian religions, gentleness holds great reverence and is considered one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Jesus himself emphasized the significance of gentleness, proclaiming that the meek shall inherit the earth (Mat. 5:5). The Apostle Paul echoed this sentiment, urging Christians to display their gentleness openly, recognizing it as a fundamental trait of a follower of Christ (Col. 3:12). Although some may mistakenly perceive gentleness as a sign of weakness, it is, in fact, a tender strength. Jesus even described himself as "gentle and lowly in heart" when inviting people to embrace his teachings (Mat. 11:29-30). Christian leaders are called to embody gentleness in their governance of the church and interactions with others (2 Tim. 3:3; 2:24-25). The esteemed theologian Thomas Aquinas listed gentleness as one of the cardinal virtues, while Saint Augustine described it as the ‘art of self-mastery’ – an art that is often overlooked or underdeveloped.
In our modern age, plagued by environmental degradation and violence, gentleness remains an indispensable virtue. Embodying gentleness bestows upon us a precious gift that can catalyze the flourishing of our environment. It extends beyond interactions with fellow human beings to encompass our treatment of all living beings. As Mahatma Gandhi, the great Indian nationalist leader, said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."[3] A gentle person is mindful of their actions and intentions, avoiding physical and emotional harm to others. Indeed, the well-being of the environment is intricately connected to a human community that embraces gentleness in all its interactions. Adopting a gentle approach serves as a safeguard against negative environmental consequences, such as the loss of biodiversity caused by hunting or deforestation. By refraining from acts of violence towards living beings, we actively contribute to the intended flourishing of the environment. Embodying gentleness not only entails a personal commitment but also calls for a profound responsibility towards the environment and all its inhabitants, compelling us to live in harmony and recognize the inherent interconnectedness. As eloquently expressed by John Muir, the Scottish-American naturalist, "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe."[4] Gentleness, therefore, emerges as a formidable force for the greater good, fostering personal growth and nurturing the flourishing of our beloved home planet.
[1] Jeffery D. Long, Jainism: An Introduction (New York: I.B. Tauris, 2009), 100.
[2] Jeffery D. Long, Jainism: An Introduction (New York: I.B. Tauris, 2009), 110.
[3] Peta, “PETA Honors Gandhi’s Lifelong Commitment to Animal Liberation,” https://www.peta.org/features/gandhi/
[4] John Muir, My First Summer in the Sierra (New York: The Modern Library, 2003), 166.
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