The observance of non-violence has been described as the highest form ofDharma. All the violence in the world today is due to the fact that people do not lead righteous lives. It has been said that the body has been given essentially to pursueDharma. Among the teachings of the Buddha, the foremost wasAhimsa(not causing harm to anyone). Non-violence is not merely refraining from inflicting injuries on others with one's limbs or weapons. Non-violence has to be practised withThrikarana Shuddhi(purity of thought, word and deed). There should be no ill-feelings, which is itself a form of violence. To cause harm to others through one’s body ishimsa(violence). No one should be harmed even by speech; our words should be sweet, pleasing and wholesome. All actions should be helpful to others. (Divine Discourse, May 15, 1996.)