What should one do in his day-to-day life .. that is, what is the minimum programme .. so that one can acquire non-violence of the brave?
The minimum that is required of a person wishing to cultivate the Ahimsa of The Brave is, first, to clear one's thought of cowardice, and, in the light of the clearance, regulate his conduct in every activity, great or small.
Thus, the votary must refuse to be cowed down by his superior, without being angry. He must, however, be ready to sacrifice his post, however remunerative it may be. Whilst sacrificing his all, if the votary has no sense of irritation against his employer, he has Ahimsa of The Brave in him.
Assume that a fellow-passenger threatens my son with assault, and I reason with the would-be assailant who then turns upon me. If then I take his blow with grace and dignity, without harbouring any ill-will against him, I exhibit the Ahimsa of The Brave. Such instances are of everyday occurrence and can be easily multiplied. If I succeed in curbing my temper every time, and though able to give blow for blow I refrain, I shall develop the Ahimsa of The Brave which will never fail me and which will compel recognition from the most confirmed adversaries.
Whilst it is true that man cannot live without air and water, the thing that nourishes the body is food. Hence the saying" food is life ".
There is a growing school, which is strongly of the opinion that anatomical and physiological evidence is in favour of man being a vegetarian.
His teeth, his stomach, intestines etc., seem to prove that Nature has meant man to be a Vegetarian.
Vegetarian Diet « besides grains, pulses, edible roots, tubers and leaves .. includes fruits, both fresh and dry. Dry fruit includes nuts like almonds, pistachio, walnut etc.
I have always been in favour of pure vegetarian diet. But experience has taught me that in order to keep perfectly fit, Vegetarian Diet must include milk and milk products such as curds, butter, ghee etc.
Vegetables and fruits should come third on our list. Among fresh vegetables, a fair amount of leafy vegetables must be taken every day. A fair helping of ordinary fresh vegetables is advisable.
As for fruits, our daily diet should include the available fruits of the season. The best time for taking fruit is in the early morning. A breakfast of fruit and milk should give full satisfaction. Those who take an early lunch may well have a breakfast of fruit only. Banana is a good fruit. But as it is very rich in starch, it takes the place of bread. Milk and banana make a perfect meal.
Source: " An Autobiography .. The Story of My Experiments With Truth " by" M.K. Gandhi "