Art of Non Resistance : A Choice of the Strong, Not the Weak

“Be Good. Do Good.” – What Does It Really Mean?

From childhood, almost every one of us has heard this advice: “Be good. Do good.”
But what does it truly mean in real life?

Does it mean we should remain good even when others hurt us?
Should we respond with kindness even when someone treats us badly?
And if we do so, why does it sometimes make us feel weak, helpless, or dissatisfied with ourselves?

Non-Violence: Strength or Weakness?

Great teachers across history have praised non-violence and non-resistance as the highest moral ideals. 

Yet, if everyone practiced non-resistance without inner strength, society itself would collapse. The wicked would dominate, and the innocent would suffer.

The truth is simple but uncomfortable:

Most people practice non-resistance not because they choose to, but because they cannot resist. That is not virtue—it is helplessness.

True Non-Resistance Comes from Power

There is a world of difference between choosing not to strike and being unable to strike.

If a person has the strength to defeat an enemy, but consciously chooses forgiveness and love, that is a noble and powerful act.

But if someone lacks the strength to resist and then labels their helplessness as “love” or “non-violence,” it is self-deception—rooted in fear or cowardice.


Non-resistance without strength brings no inner growth or benefit.

The Core Teaching of Karma Yoga

This is the heart of Karma Yoga. You should understand two things:

  1. Non-resistance is the highest ideal.

  2. True non-resistance is possible only when one already possesses power (to resist / fight back)

Before reaching that level, a person’s duty is to resist (keep fighting against) evil. Resistance is a necessary step toward higher strength. 

Only after gaining the power to resist does non-resistance become a virtue.

Let's keep it simple

Scenario 1:
An ant bites me. I know I can crush it instantly. But I choose not to harm it.
👉 This is an act of love.

Scenario 2:
A lion attacks me. I am terrified and I know I don't have any power to fight back. I say I “accept” it in the name of love and non-resistance.
👉 This is hypocrisy and cowardice



The Final Reminder

Buddha renounced the world because he had everything to give up.
A beggar has nothing to renounce.

True goodness is not weakness.
 True love is born from strength.
 First gain power. Then choose restraint.

That is real Karma Yoga.

— Om Tat Sat

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