Ahimsa

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Ahimsa (Sanskrit: अहिंसा; IAST: ahiṃsā, Pāli: avihiṃsā) is an ancient Indian principle of nonviolence which applies to all living beings. It is a key virtue in the Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Ahimsa is derived from the Sanskrit root hiṃs – to strike; ahimsa literally means 'non-harming' or 'non-violence'.

Etymology and Origins

The word Ahimsa—sometimes spelled as Ahinsa—is derived from the Sanskrit root hiṃs, meaning to strike; himsa means injury or harm, a-himsa is the opposite of this, i.e., non-harming or non-violence. It is an important concept in Indian philosophy, where it is considered a moral duty and not merely an absence of violence. Ahimsa appears in the Upanishads, which are a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts that contain some of the central philosophical concepts and ideas of Hinduism.

Philosophical Context

In the context of Indian philosophy, Ahimsa is a fundamental moral principle that advocates for the non-violence and non-injury towards all living beings. It is deeply rooted in the belief that all living beings have the spark of the divine spiritual energy; therefore, to hurt another being is to hurt oneself. Ahimsa is practiced in different ways in various Indian religions but is most notable in Jainism, where non-violence reaches its highest ideal. Jains go to great lengths to avoid harm to any living soul (jiva), including microorganisms.

Ahimsa in Hinduism

In Hinduism, Ahimsa is an important aspect of dharma (duty or moral law). The Mahabharata and the Ramayana, two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, discuss the principles of Ahimsa in the context of duty and righteousness. The Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, teaches that violence is acceptable in the service of dharma, but it also emphasizes that non-violent means should be preferred whenever possible. Ahimsa is also closely associated with the concept of karma (action, work) and samsara (cycle of rebirth), influencing one's future life circumstances.

Ahimsa in Buddhism

Buddhism interprets Ahimsa to include avoiding harm to all sentient beings. While the early texts show that the Buddha allowed for some flexibility in the practice of Ahimsa, he preached non-violence as a universal principle. The first of the Five Precepts (Pāli: pañcasīlāni) that all Buddhists are encouraged to follow is to abstain from taking life. This extends to all living beings, and not just humans, making Buddhism an advocate for vegetarianism and non-violence in both thought and deed.

Ahimsa in Jainism

Jainism takes Ahimsa to its highest standard. It is the most important duty for a Jain and the foundation of Jain ethics. Jains believe in avoiding harm to all living beings, including plants and microorganisms. The practice of Ahimsa in Jainism is more comprehensive than in any other religion, involving careful daily activities to avoid unintentional harm. Jain monks and nuns often wear masks over their mouths and noses to prevent inhaling microorganisms and sweep the ground in front of them to avoid stepping on insects.

Modern Influence

Ahimsa has also been a major influence in the modern world, most notably through Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance. Gandhi's interpretation of Ahimsa was not just abstention from physical violence, but also from any form of harm or injustice. He used Ahimsa as a powerful tool for social and political change, influencing movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Conclusion

Ahimsa remains a profound and influential concept in Indian religions and philosophy, advocating for a life of non-violence, compassion, and respect for all living beings. Its universal appeal and timeless relevance continue to inspire individuals and movements towards peace and non-violence in the modern era.