MAN has a tendency to cling to catch-words and to allow his action to be determined by them almost mechanically without bringing his action into direct relation with the living perception which these words embody. Going behind words Words have their own place and use in life, but if action is to be intelligent, it is imperatively necessary that the meaning which these words are intended to convey should be carefully analysed and fixed. Among the words which need such exploration few are as important as “violence” and “non-violence.” They have a direct bearing upon the ideologies which shape not only particular actions but also the entire tenor of life.

        Spiritual life is a matter of perception and not of mechanical conformity to rules, even when these rules are meant to stand for the highest values. Spiritual understanding goes beyond formulations It implies an understanding which goes beyond all words or formulations. All words and formulations have a tendency to limit the Truth. Therefore those who seek to bring out the spirit underlying these formulations often have to launch upon a searching analysis of the formulated principles, and supplement this analysis by constantly retaining touch