Last Sunday I had 3 Devotee friends from Berlin over to my place and I invited friends from Uni also. One of them is a Jehova's Witness and we had a very interesting discussion on "violence". What it is and when and how it can/ should be applied... We agreed that violence is if you neglect to help somebody who is in need of help and generally nothing should be considered violence what elevates the soul. Sometimes deliberate use of violence to the body is crucial like in a surgery where the doctor may use a scalpel. In that way the Bhagavad-Gita describes the most extreme situation of course, but also concludes beautifully how real morality always considers the soul's well-being and not temporary enjoyment.
Generally, it should be said that physical violence is always the "plan B" and not the prefered solution. However, it is common experience that in this material world violence is part of the free will of the living entity and even if we are peaceful people we may be confronted with it and that is where you have to consider. Otherwise of course a peaceful, tolerant way of life is always the first choice...
This is the Prasad everyone who couldn't come missed out on :P
and that is late evening atmosphere from my window...
