Ahimsa

Definition

Ahimsa is a fundamental principle in Indian philosophy, particularly in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, that advocates for non-violence, non-injury, and respect for all forms of life. It is a core ethical value that emphasizes the importance of compassion and the avoidance of harm in one's thoughts, words, and actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ahimsa is a central tenet of Jainism, where it is considered the highest ethical value and the foundation for all other virtues.
2. In Hinduism, the practice of ahimsa is closely linked to the concept of non-violence, which is emphasized in the Bhagavad Gita and other sacred texts.
3. The Buddhist concept of ahimsa, or non-harm, is closely connected to the principle of compassion (karuna) and the avoidance of causing suffering to any living being.
4. Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent civil disobedience, known as satyagraha, was heavily influenced by the principle of ahimsa.
5. The practice of ahimsa extends beyond physical harm and includes the avoidance of harmful thoughts, speech, and actions towards oneself and others.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of ahimsa in the context of Classical Indian Philosophy.
  • Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence and respect for all life, is a fundamental tenet in Classical Indian Philosophy, particularly in the traditions of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It serves as the ethical foundation for these belief systems, guiding adherents to refrain from causing harm or injury to any living being through their thoughts, words, or actions. The practice of ahimsa is closely linked to the concepts of dharma (moral and religious duty) and karma (the law of cause and effect), as it is believed that by cultivating non-violence, one can progress towards spiritual enlightenment and liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth. The principle of ahimsa has had a profound impact on Indian philosophy and has influenced important figures, such as Mahatma Gandhi, in their pursuit of non-violent social and political change.
• Analyze the relationship between ahimsa and the concept of moksha (liberation) in Classical Indian Philosophy.
  • In Classical Indian Philosophy, the practice of ahimsa, or non-violence, is closely tied to the ultimate goal of moksha, which is the liberation from the cycle of rebirth and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment. The principle of ahimsa is seen as a means to purify the soul and align one's actions with the cosmic order, thereby facilitating the journey towards moksha. By cultivating compassion and refraining from causing harm to any living being, the practitioner of ahimsa is believed to accumulate positive karma, which can help them break free from the cycle of reincarnation and achieve the state of moksha. The Jain tradition, in particular, places the highest emphasis on ahimsa as the foundation for spiritual liberation, as it is believed that the complete renunciation of violence is necessary to attain the ultimate state of non-attachment and enlightenment. Therefore, the practice of ahimsa is integral to the Classical Indian philosophical understanding of the path to moksha and the ultimate realization of the divine within.
• Evaluate the influence of ahimsa on the development of non-violent social and political movements in India, such as Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha.
  • The principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, has had a profound influence on the development of social and political movements in India, most notably Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of satyagraha (non-violent civil disobedience). Rooted in the Classical Indian philosophical traditions of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, the practice of ahimsa emphasizes the sanctity of all life and the importance of resolving conflicts through non-violent means. Gandhi's satyagraha, which was inspired by the ahimsa-based teachings of these belief systems, challenged the British colonial rule through peaceful resistance, non-cooperation, and civil disobedience. By embracing the principle of ahimsa, Gandhi and his followers were able to mobilize a powerful social and political movement that ultimately led to India's independence, without resorting to violence. The influence of ahimsa can also be seen in other non-violent movements, such as the American civil rights movement, which drew inspiration from the Indian independence struggle. Thus, the principle of ahimsa has played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of social and political change, both in India and globally, by providing a moral and philosophical framework for non-violent resistance and transformation.

Related terms

Dharma:

The concept of moral and religious duty or righteousness in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, which provides the foundation for the practice of ahimsa.

Karma:

The principle of cause and effect, where one's actions (including the practice of ahimsa) have consequences that shape one's future experiences and rebirth.

Moksha:

The ultimate goal in Hinduism and Jainism, which is the liberation from the cycle of rebirth and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment, often achieved through the practice of ahimsa.