The second-last chapter of my novella is finally finished. It took way longer than I’d planned but writer’s block strikes when it strikes. I’m just happy I got it done at last.
Much of what that particular chapter is about is a difficult and perhaps controversial subject: When, if ever, is it right to use violence? For the answer I drew inspiration from several Hindu and Buddhist sources and particularly the principle of ahimsa (non-violence). Including the idea put forward by some thinkers that not using violence and let yourself or other people be victimised by evildoers is in itself an act of violence.
One person whose thoughts on all things spiritual I value highly is the nineteenth century Indian saint Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He once told a great parable on the subject:
Son Of Freya 