Ahimsa

#Ahimsa

Ahimsa (अहिंसा, Ahiṃsā) is a foundational concept in Indian philosophy and spirituality, meaning nonviolence, non-injury, or non-harming.

Etymology

• “A” (अ): negation, “not”

• “Himsa” (हिंसा): violence, injury

Ahimsa = “non-violence” or “the refusal to cause harm”

Core Principle

Ahimsa goes beyond just avoiding physical violence. It includes:

Nonviolence in speech (no harsh or harmful words)

Nonviolence in thought (no ill will or malice)

Nonviolence in action (not hurting any being physically)

It’s a positive ethic of compassion, not just the absence of aggression.

In Religions

Religion Role of Ahimsa

Hinduism Ethical duty (Dharma); leads to good karma; supports vegetarianism

Buddhism Core to the First Precept: Do not kill; promotes compassion and mindfulness

Jainism Supreme virtue; absolute nonviolence even toward microbes; extreme forms of self-restraint

Sikhism While not central like in Jainism, peace and compassion are emphasized, but Sikhs may bear arms in defense of righteousness

Ahimsa in Practice

Diet: Vegetarianism or veganism, especially in Jain and Hindu traditions

Activism: Nonviolent resistance (e.g., Gandhi’s Satyagraha)

Lifestyle: Mindful consumption, rejecting exploitation, practicing compassion

Gandhi and Ahimsa

Mahatma Gandhi elevated Ahimsa from a religious concept to a political strategy. His nonviolent resistance against British rule in India became a global model (e.g., MLK Jr., Mandela).

He said:

“Ahimsa is the highest duty. Even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as humanly possible from violence.”

Summary

Ahimsa = Nonviolence in thought, word, and deed.

It is an ethical, spiritual, and practical commitment to compassion.

Central to Indian thought and influential in modern global movements.

Let me know if you’d like examples of how Ahimsa is applied in modern life, politics, or ecology.