Ahimsa

Ahimsa is an ancient Indian principle of nonviolence.

It applies to actions toward all living beings. The term comes from the Sanskrit root "him," which means to strike or harm. By adding the prefix "a-", the word becomes "non-harming." This concept is a central part of several major belief systems. It is a key virtue in Jainism and Buddhism. It is also a central precept in Hinduism. Many followers believe all living beings possess a spark of divine spiritual energy. Therefore, to hurt another being is viewed as hurting oneself. This idea is also connected to the concept of karma, which involves the consequences of one's actions.

In Jainism, ahimsa is the first of the Pancha Mahavrata, or five great vows. This principle reached an extraordinary level of development within Jain ethical philosophy.

Lord Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He strengthened these ideas around the 6th century BCE. The principle requires avoiding injury through deeds, words, and even thoughts. In Buddhism, ahimsa is the first of five central precepts. In Hinduism, many classical texts describe it as the highest moral virtue. The Mahabharata states that nonviolence is the highest truth and the greatest teaching. It is also considered the best practice and the finest strength.

The history of ahimsa involves many different theories about its origins. Some scholars argue it began within non-Vedic Shramanic traditions. These traditions include Jainism and Buddhism. They suggest these ideas were later absorbed into Brahmanism. Other scholars, like P.R. Deshmukh, look even further back. They suggest roots in the Indus Valley Civilisation, dating from 3300 to 1300 BCE. They point to seals showing figures in the kayotsarga, or standing meditation, posture. Indologist Johannes Bronkhorst proposed the "Greater Magadha" theory. He argued that a distinct culture in the eastern Gangetic plain developed these concepts. Ludwig Alsdorf suggested ahimsa might have started as a "magico-ritualistic" taboo against harming living beings.

Within the Vedic tradition, the concept of ahimsa evolved gradually. In the early Vedic period, from 1500 to 1000 BCE, animal sacrifice was a central ritual. Over time, this transitioned into an internalized ethical virtue. By the late Vedic era, the Chandogya Upanishad listed ahimsa as one of five essential virtues. These five included truthfulness, charity, sincerity, and penance. The Yajurveda also contains prayers for universal peace. One verse asks that all beings look at each other with the eyes of a friend. The Sandilya Upanishad goes further, listing ten specific forbearances related to this practice.

History shows how ahimsa moved from personal belief to state policy. The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is a major example.

After the Kalinga War, Ashoka renounced military conquest. He chose to lead through "conquest by Dharma" instead. His Rock Edicts restricted the slaughter of animals. He also established medical care for animals. This embedded the value of nonviolence into the political fabric of India. In the 5th century CE, the Tamil scholar Valluvar wrote about these ideas.

In his work, the Tirukkural, he emphasized moral vegetarianism and non-killing as virtues.

Scholars and ancient texts also debate how ahimsa applies to war and self-defense. The Bhagavad Gita discusses doubts about responding to systematic violence. Classical Hindu texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana offer different views. Some argue that force should only be a last resort. If war is necessary, the cause must be just and the aim must be peace. The method must also be lawful. For example, using arrows is allowed, but using poison-smeared arrows is not. Warriors are expected to use judgment on the battlefield. They should not attack wounded or unarmed opponents. They must also protect children, women, and civilians.

Some interpretations suggest that ahimsa does not require total pacifism. In matters of self-defense, some scholars believe the principle allows for protection against attackers. The concept of "just war" is often linked to these discussions. Even in self-defense, the goal can be to neutralize aggression without creating new enemies. For instance, the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, used ahimsa as inspiration. He believed the aim of self-defense should be to protect the victim while respecting the attacker. This approach focuses on neutralizing aggression rather than seeking to harm. In modern times, Mohandas K. Gandhi became a famous advocate for these principles of nonviolence.