What does Ahimsa signify? It is not merely refraining from causing harm to others. It also implies refraining from causing harm to oneself. Whoever desires to observe Ahimsa must see that he does no violence to himself, for one who harms himself cannot avoid harming others. You must constantly examine whether your conduct is right or wrong. For instance, in the matter of speech, one must examine whether one’s words might be causing pain to others. One must see that one’s looks are not tainted with evil intentions or thoughts. Nor should one listen to evil talk either. All these things cause harm to a person. Hence one should see to it that one gives no room for bad looks, bad hearing, bad speech, bad thoughts or bad actions. And how do you determine what is bad? By consulting your conscience. Whenever you act against the dictates of your conscience, bad results will follow.

- Divine Discourse, 18th Jan 1996.