Understanding the Concept of Ahimsa in a Violently Divided Society: A Historical and Personal Account of Sri Lanka during Conflict Times.

This article explores the intricate understanding of a teenager unravelling the complexities, interpretations, and reflections encountered while navigating violence in conflict-affected Sri Lanka during the 1980s and 1990s. It investigates his experiences of growing up in Sri Lanka during two bloody conflicts, one between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the other between the Government of Sri Lanka and the People's Liberation Front (JVP). As a child of a Sinhala Buddhist family, his understanding of Buddhist philosophy is that by comparing others with oneself, one should neither harm nor attack others. The Sri Lankan society during the 1980s and 1990s differed from Buddha's teachings. Drawing on personal experiences, this article showcases the diverse tapestry of different understandings of violence and non-violence. It sheds light on the complexities inherent in unpacking the concept of Ahimsa or non-violence within a violently divided society. Through this exploration, the author reflects on the influence of non-violence in a teenage mind. Drawing from the Gandhian path and Buddhist philosophy, this article argues that compassion, care, and collaboration can be critical ingredients for taking forward the practices of Ahimsa, especially in violently divided societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]