Safe Harbour On Both Sides

We too must become like this. Let bitter words that reach our ears turn into sweet speech. If someone curses us, let our response be a prayer. If someone harms us, let our effort be to benefit them. If someone insults us, let us respond with honour. This is the moral system of nature—even poisonous animals follow it. In Gujarat, a doctor keeps various snakes and plays with them. Someone once asked, “Doctor Sahib, aren’t you afraid?” He replied, “Not at all. These creatures only react when they’re harmed. If left alone, they don’t harm anyone.” Humans, too, should have such predictable behaviour. People should be certain that you will never lie, never betray trust, never abuse authority, never take unfair advantage of someone’s weakness. People should know that because you are a human, you will always uphold human values. You will never act inhumanely, no matter the situation. All India Radio, New Delhi, on 2nd and 9th September 1992.