398 NON-VIOLENCE IN PEACE AND WAR

from one danger, expose themselves to a double. Naturally
the advice cannot refer to those whom duty compels to
live in cities.

The main thing, however, is for women to know how
to be fearless. It is my firm conviction that a fearless woman
who knows that her purity is her best shield can never
be dishonoured. However beastly the man, he will bow
in shame before the flame of her dazzling purity. There
are examples even in modern times of women who have
thus defended themselves. I can, as I write, recall two such
instances. I therefore recommend women who read this
article to try to cultivate this courage. They will become
wholly fearless, if they can and"cease to tremble as they
do today at the mere thought of assaults. It is not, however,
necessary for a woman to go through a bitter experience
for the sake of passing a test of courage. These experiences
mercifully do not come in the way of lakhs or even thousands.
Every soldier is not a beast. It is a minority that loses all
sense of decency. Only twenty per cent of snakes are
poisonous, and out of these a few only bite. They do not
attack unless trodden on. But this knowledge does not
help those who are full of fear and tremble at the sight
of a snake. Parents and husbands should, therefore, instruct
women in the art of becoming fearless. It can best be learnt
from a living faith in God. Though He is invisible, He
is one's unfailing protector. He who has this faith is the
.most fearless of all.

But such faith or courage cannot be acquired in a
day. Meantime we must try to explore other means. When
a woman is assaulted she may not stop to think in terms
of Himsa or Ahimsa. Her primary duty is self-protection.
She is at liberty to employ every method or means that
come to her mind in order to defend her honour. God
has given her nails and teeth. She must use them with
all her strength and, if need be, die in the effort. The man
or woman who has shed all fear -of death will be able not
only to protect himself or herself but others also through
layiag down his life. In truth we fear death most, and
hence we ultimately submit to superior physical force.