extremely extreme non-violence

[iamom]

With all due respect to the Jain tradition* and to other extreme forms of ahimsa, I have to say that some people ask the most stupid interesting questions. If you read this post in buddhists, you'll see what a firestorm of commentary the following question raised.

There are mosquitos in my bedroom. I have lived with them for weeks now, because I do not wish to cause them any harm. However, I am begin to suffer for this policy. I have 5 bits on my hand, 4 on my arm, 1 on my leg. It's getting to be a bit much. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to compassionately deal with a mosquito problem? I don't think we can go on this way indefinitely.

I mean, come on. Just kill the goddamned mosquitos already. Or swipe on some DEET. Yeesh.

* I remember seeing many Jains while traveling through India who wore cloths over their mouths to avoid the mere possibility of accidentally swallowing an insect and causing it undue harm.