It is encouraging to see that preventive measures against school violence are being considered. Generally the steps suggested are aimed at preventing the act, which is the tragedy, from happening. Unfortunately though, the act is the effect and not the cause of school violence. Any action is a gross manifestation of subtle thoughts that result from deep rooted attitudes like anger, violence, vengefulness, etc. Thus, to truly prevent such tragedies, it is important, though difficult, to identify the antisocial thought before it manifests as an act. It would be better yet if the underlying undesirable attitudes itself could be overcome.

    Spiritual practice done according to the science of Spirituality is a deep reaching tool that can remove deep rooted negative attitudes. Negative attitudes and thoughts are spiritually impure (tama predominant). Spiritual practice, if undertaken regularly, removes one's spiritual impurity (tama predominance) while increasing one's spiritual purity (sattva predominance). Thus, spiritual practice has the potential to inculcate spiritual purity and thus, positive attitudes like forgiveness, inner strength to face any criticism, etc., in even a potential perpetrator, who himself is a victim of his spiritually impure attitudes.

    Spiritual purity is the only effective measure against acts and thoughts borne out of spiritual impurity. Thus, regular spiritual practice can also impart a divine protective shield against unforeseen tragic acts like school shootings. It can be included in children's routine right from early childhood, to prepare them not only physically and mentally, but also spiritually, to effectively face such challenges as bullying and be protected from such violence.