For non-violence is only possible when one gives up hunger, and no one, not even a hermit, can give up all hunger. His body needs nourishment and for that he needs food. The act of cultivation of food is violent, as is the act of keeping away those who wish to steal our food. Only the non-living (a-jiva) are non-violent as they are not hungry. The living (sa-jiva) eat; eating involves violence.