Nonviolence
Nonviolence is also known as “love in action.” As a constructive power, it’s unleashed when potentially destructive drives like fear or anger are converted into creative equivalents like love and compassion.
Nonviolence, when harnessed systematically and in an experimental, scientific spirit, can be used as a force for realizing greater security, justice, and social unity.
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Nonviolence begins inside of each one of us, and is the greatest power of our human nature. Individuals can affect positive change with or without large groups. Everyone has a role to play.
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By nature, nonviolence has more to do with building up than tearing down. Even when it obstructs some injustice, the goal is to allow some justice to prevail. Often by building what we want, what we don’t want will either stop or be much easier to stop because we’re offering an alternative. This is the most overlooked and possibly strongest power in nonviolence.
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It breaks down into two parts: Satya-Truth, graha-Hold Fast to. This is Truth-force or Love-force. We resist injustice without reproducing it. We obstruct hatred and violence with a firmness rooted in love.
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Let’s piece it all together now. Learn more.
“Nonviolence is more than putting another person in power. It’s about awakening a different kind of power in people.”
“When Satyagraha frees our reason and appeals to our sympathetic chord, its effect goes beyond the occasion at hand, where it’s effective often enough; it can remind us that we have those faculties, which are often forgotten in the heat of conflict. By moving the heart, it awakens the heart. It ennobles and awakens. We would be very much mistaken to regard the ‘gentleness’ of nonviolence as passive.”
~Michael Nagler
The Third Harmony: Nonviolence and the New Story of Human Nature
Nonviolence Radio
Our radio program explores the power of nonviolence featuring interviews and segments to inspire and support you to take action where you are. Listen anywhere.
Seven Challenges of Nonviolence
Nonviolence is a practice. Seven short audios to inspire and support you on the nonviolent path.
Nonviolence Daily: Thought for the Day
A daily reminder of the path and goals of nonviolence. It comes as a book, a daily email, or podcast, or all three!
Updates
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New Title: Looking for Light
108 Inspirations and Insights from Michael Nagler on Nonviolence.
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2025 Book Giveaway
We are giving away a box of our nonviolence books per month in 2025 to classrooms and groups.
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New Edition: Gandhi Searches for Truth
Our updated edition of Gandhi Searches for Truth includes a new dedication, introduction, and poster.
A sustained commitment to nonviolence is often difficult to maintain when confronted with the urgent problems of our times.
We’re here to help.
Quick Links:
Watch:
New Story Animations (on the New Economy, Nonviolence, Restorative Justice, Terrorism, The New Story, Climate…)
Animation on Courage (A story by Ela Gandhi)
Learn:
Retreats (updating for 2025)
