The philosophy of nonviolence can be defined as the opposition to the use of violent force in solving conflicts. Almost all traditions in the world have taught nonviolence in one way or another. From the simple statement of : "Thou shalt not kill" in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament to the more complex philosophy of "Ahimsa" (the absence of the desire to destroy) propounded by the Buddha twenty-five hundred years ago, nonviolence has been a basic spiritual and moral teaching for centuries. Violence is not necessarily restricted to crime, wars, and conflicts between people. It also includes environmental violence, corporate violence, and the violent attitudes that are perpetuated in the media. In looking at violence, we must address something far more complex than just the raising of an arm or the pulling of a trigger.

Q: "Is nonviolence, from your point of view, a form of direct action?"
Gandhi: "It is not one form, it is the only form."

You may be under the impression that pacifists are passive people. On the contrary, this is quite a misconception. Rather than merely displaying "Make Love, Not War" buttons on their lapels, people have been actively taking a part in the nonviolent fight for human rights. For thousands of years human beings have used the teachings of nonviolence not only as a guideline for spiritual and ethical behavior, but also as a vehicle for social change. The courage and principles demonstrated by figures like Thoreau, King, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama stand as an example for all of us. Throughout history, people like these have refused to take up arms in their struggle and have insisted that all their actions be motivated by compassion and love. Nonviolent action continues throughout the world today in places like Burma, Nigeria, Tibet, and even here in America.

One of the earliest historical examples of nonviolent political action can be found in the ancient Greek satire, "Lysisrata," in which the women of a village refused to have sex with their husbands until the men gave up fighting and warfare. Within America, non-violent action has a rich history, stretching back to pre-Revolutionary war protests, and continuing right up through the civil rights movement in the sixties.

"Never in this world is hate appeased by hatred; it is only appeased by love. This is the eternal law." --From the Dhammapada

"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality." --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.