The Concept of Non-violence in the Philosophy of Sree Chattampi Swamikal: an Overview

The present paper purports to bring out some salient features of the philosophy of Chattampi Swamikal, a prominent reformist and advaitin in Kerala. Chattampi Swamikal practiced ahimsa in his whole life. In Kerala, the social structure was not based on the principles of social justice and equality. Chattampi Swamikal was the first reformist who revolted against the existing social order in which the Brahmins enjoy a privileged position. He sowed the seed of oneness among different communities. The Social Philosophy of Chattampi swamikal tried to establish an egalitarian society. According to him there is only one caste, one religion and one god. Swamikal tried to put into practice the ideal of ahimsa. His meaning of ahimsa is somewhat different from the meaning given by Buddha or Gandhi. In his view, it was not only the expression of Kindness and sympathy towards the victim of himsa, nor was it a lifestyle based on Brahmacarya, it was the ultimate ideology in life itself. He himself set an example for the practice of ahimsa