Springer New York. Ahimsa has also been related to the notion that any violence has karmic consequences. [101] Both the renouncers and the laypeople of Jain faith reject meat, fish, alcohol and honey as these are believed to harm large or minuscule life forms. [135], The emperors of the Sui dynasty, Tang dynasty, and early Song dynasty banned killing in the Lunar calendar's 1st, 5th, and 9th months. 2–5; English translation: Schmidt p. 631. [114] Saving animals from slaughter for meat is believed to be a way to acquire merit for better rebirth. If war becomes necessary, its cause must be just, its purpose virtuous, its objective to restrain the wicked, its aim peace, its method lawful. He arms himself in defence, and leads his army into battle to protect his kingdom from attack. These are: (1) the presence of a living being, human or animal; (2) the knowledge that the being is a living being; (3) the intent to kill; (4) the act of killing by some means; and (5) the resulting death. The word is derived from the Sanskrit root hims – to strike; hinsa is injury or harm,a-hinsa is the opposite of this, i.e. [42][43], Some other examples where the phrase Ahimsa Paramo Dharma are discussed include Adi Parva, Vana Parva and Anushasana Parva. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. This included goat, ox, horse and others (or may be misinterpretation of verses). [134], According to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, there is circumstantial evidence encouraging Ahimsa, from the Buddha's doctrine, "Love all, so that you may not wish to kill any." 154–160; Jindal, pp. ), Cross cultural studies in curriculum: Eastern thought, educational insights, pages 171–192. cause no injury, do no harm. Although there are some differences in the concept of Ahimsa among the three traditions, the idea of Ahimsa itself stays relatively the same. "Ahimsa (non-violence) is the ultimate Dharma/Duty" says Krishna in Bhagwadgita, at the same time convincing Arjun to fight a war. Ahimsa is the Hindu belief that symbolizes love, genuine care, and compassion towards all living beings. Over time, the Hindu scripts revise ritual practices and the concept of Ahimsa is increasingly refined and emphasized, until Ahimsa becomes the highest virtue by the late Vedic era (about 500 BC). [3] Like in Hinduism, the aim is to prevent the accumulation of harmful karma. Gandhi, for example, considers this debate about non-violence and lawful violence as a mere metaphor for the internal war within each human being, when he or she faces moral questions. Ahimsa is the greatest friend, Ahimsa is the greatest happiness, Struckmeyer, F. R. (1971). Certain plants may not be consumed in order to avoid the possibility of killing microscopic organisms that may further bind them to karma, and retract them from moksa [For more detail regarding Jain philosophy and its practices of asceticism, see Cort (2002)] (Cort 723-724). Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Upaniṣads: SZ (Vol. It is not a doctrine, as it is not adopted, discussed or defended in Classical Indian Buddhism literature. Ahimsa is a multidimensional concept, inspired by the premise that all living beings have the spark of the divine spiritual energy; therefore, to hurt another being is … Ahimsa is imperative for practitioners of Patañjali's eight limb Raja yoga system. Ahimsa – the principle of non-violence. 173–175, 179; Dundas p. 24 suggests the 5th century; the traditional dating of Mahavira's death is 527 BCE. [124] In Pali texts, injunctions to abstain from violence and involvement with military affairs are directed at members of the sangha; later Mahayana texts, which often generalise monastic norms to laity, require this of lay people as well. [115] The Buddhist texts not only recommended Ahimsa, but suggest avoiding trading goods that contribute to or are a result of violence: These five trades, O monks, should not be taken up by a lay follower: trading with weapons, trading in living beings, trading in meat, trading in intoxicants, trading in poison. [149] Gandhi believed Ahimsa to be a creative energy force, encompassing all interactions leading one's self to find satya, "Divine Truth". King Pasenadi eventually defeated King Ajatasattu and captured him alive. For over three thousand years, nonviolence was considered the highest virtue or the virtue of virtues in the ascetic traditions of ancient India. [85] Laws. [123] It seems that the Buddha's teaching on nonviolence was not interpreted or put into practice in an uncompromisingly pacifist or anti-military-service way by early Buddhists. Ahimsa (Ahinsa) (Sanskrit: अहिंसा IAST: ahiṃsā, Pāli: avihiṃsā) means 'not to injure' and 'compassion' and refers to a key virtue in Hinduism and Jainism. Some verses praise meat as food, while other verses in the Vedas also recommend "abstention from meat", in particular, "beef". [14], The word Ahimsa—sometimes spelled Ahinsa[15][16]—is derived from the Sanskrit root hiṃs, meaning to strike; hiṃsā is injury or harm, while a-hiṃsā, its opposite, is non-harming or nonviolence. [106] In the 12th century CE and thereafter, in an era of violent raids, destruction of temples, the slaughter of agrarian communities and ascetics by Islamic armies, Jain scholars reconsidered the First Great Vow of mendicants and its parallel for the laypeople. It is also the first of the five precepts of Buddhism. The later traditions of Buddhism and Jainism would eventually hold the concept (in particular, the Jains) as one of its most important virtues, with complete abstinence from harm necessary in order to reach their ultimate goal of moksa … [103] For the layperson, the teaching has been of ahimsa with pramada – that is, reducing violence through proper intention and being careful in every action on a daily basis to minimize violence to all life forms. [136][137] Empress Wu Tse-Tien banned killing for more than half a year in 692. The Hindu mystic Patanjali wrote a scripture called the Yoga Sutras, where he outlines yamas (restraints, or what one should not do) and niyamas (observances, or what one should do). Ahimsa (Devanagari: IAST ahiṃsā) is a Sanskrit term meaning non-violence (literally: the avoidance of violence - himsa).It is an important part of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, first appearing within the Hindu scriptures called the Upanishads, the oldest of which date to about 800 BCE.The concept is further detailed in the Bhagavad Gita, Puranas and later Buddhist texts. It is a Cardinal virtue of many Southeast Asian religions, like, Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Gandhi was not without criticism and controversy, however; Indian scholars considered Gandhi’s concept of Ahimsa as a radical redefinition and distant from the traditional Hindu concept of Ahimsa. Through his popularity and political influence, Gandhi gave the concept of Ahimsa multiple definitions under different circumstances; a thief that would attack a man was committing an act of Himsa, but a surgeon using a knife in order to save a human being was not committing an act of Himsa, as the act was attempting to alleviate the pain the individual felt (Parekh 198). The) argument about non-violence in the Holy Koran is an interpolation, not necessary for my thesis. [126] Some argue that a sutta in the Gamani Samyuttam rules out all military service. Dundas p. 30 suggests the 8th or 7th century; the traditional chronology places him in the late 9th or early 8th century. Alsdorf p. 589–590; Schmidt pp. Kaneda, T. (2008). Initially Gandhi referred to this method of fighting injustice as passive resistance. [121], Nonviolence is an overriding theme within the Pāli Canon. Most Hindus believe that all living things are sacred. [80] However, the Tirukkural also glorifies soldiers and their valour during war, and states that it is king's duty to punish criminals and implement "death sentence for the wicked".[81][82]. 41–42. Ballantyne, J. R., & Yogīndra, S. (1850). Mahabharata 12.15.55; Manu Smriti 8.349–350; Matsya Purana 226.116. These discussions have led to theories of just war, theories of reasonable self-defence and theories of proportionate punishment. Their scrupulous and thorough way of applying nonviolence to everyday activities and food shapes their lives and is the most significant hallmark of Jain identity. The principle of Ahimsa was recognized by both religions. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the Ramakrishna Order, Hinduism's Interaction with Other Religions, 2. Preview. [36][37], Chāndogya Upaniṣad also names Ahimsa, along with Satyavacanam (truthfulness), Arjavam (sincerity), Danam (charity), Tapo (penance/meditation), as one of five essential virtues (CU 3.17.4).[5][38]. The principles of ahimsa and other ethical teachings within Hinduism show us a better way. n. A Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu doctrine expressing belief in the sacredness of all living creatures and urging the avoidance of harm and violence. Non-injury requires a harmless mind, mouth, and hand. Ahimsa, an important tenet of all the religions originating in India, is now considered as an article of faith by the adherents of the Indian religions. [44], The classical texts of Hinduism devote numerous chapters discussing what people who practice the virtue of Ahimsa, can and must do when they are faced with war, violent threat or need to sentence someone convicted of a crime. 2: 87-92. 67, No. Jackson pp. This precept of Ahimsa is applicable to both the Buddhist layperson and the monk community.[111][112][113]. Sushruta Samhita, a Hindu text written in the 3rd or 4th century, in Chapter XLVI suggests proper diet as a means of treating certain illnesses, and recommends various fishes and meats for different ailments and for pregnant women,[66][67] and the Charaka Samhita describes meat as superior to all other kinds of food for convalescents. [102], Jaina scholars have debated the potential injury to other life forms during one's occupation. "[152] He added, "Nonviolence is common to all religions, but it has found the highest expression and application in Hinduism (I do not regard Jainism or Buddhism as separate from Hinduism). Finally, the discussion in Upanishads and Hindu Epics[63] shifts to whether a human being can ever live his or her life without harming animal and plant life in some way; which and when plants or animal meat may be eaten, whether violence against animals causes human beings to become less compassionate, and if and how one may exert least harm to non-human life consistent with ahimsa precept, given the constraints of life and human needs. [129] One example is the Kosala Samyutta, in which King Pasenadi, a righteous king favored by the Buddha, learns of an impending attack on his kingdom. Other vows like truth (satya) are meant for safeguarding the vow of ahimsā. For example, the Tirukkural, written in three volumes, likely between 450 and 500 CE, dedicates verses 251–260 and 321–333 of its first volume to the virtue of Ahimsa, emphasizing on moral vegetarianism and non-killing (kollamai). [148] His non-violent resistance movement satyagraha had an immense impact on India, impressed public opinion in Western countries, and influenced the leaders of various civil and political rights movements such as the American civil rights movement's Martin Luther King Jr. and James Bevel. It seems contradictory to many. 572–577 (for the Manusmṛti) and pp. Buddhist ethics § Killing, causing others to kill, The History of India - From Ancient to Modern Times, Violence in the Vālmı̄ki Rāmāyaṇa: Just War Criteria in an Ancient Indian Epic, https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ISFBJarYX7YC&pg=PA158&dq=Parshvanatha+four+vows&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjyoKXKp_LtAhX0zzgGHcZLAUkQ6AEwAHoECAAQAg#v=onepage&q=Parshvanatha%20four%20vows&f=false, SOCIAL CONFLICT, AGGRESSION, AND THE BODY IN EURO-AMERICAN AND ASIAN SOCIAL THOUGHT, "Sanskrit: Ahimsa quotations from Puranic scripture", "Practicing Ahimsa: Nonviolence toward Humans, Animals, and Earth", Animal rights in Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, Moral status of animals in the ancient world, University of California, Riverside 1985 laboratory raid, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals, Moral Inquiries on the Situation of Man and of Brutes, An Introduction to Animals and Political Theory, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, An Essay on Abstinence from Animal Food, as a Moral Duty, Thirty-nine Reasons Why I Am a Vegetarian, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ahimsa&oldid=1002367860, Articles with dead external links from August 2019, Articles with permanently dead external links, All Wikipedia articles written in Indian English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 24 January 2021, at 02:31. Comparative Strategy, 27(2), pages 133–147, Subedi, S. P. (2003). For example, Tähtinen suggests self-defence is appropriate, criminals are not protected by the rule of Ahimsa, and Hindu scriptures support the use of violence against an armed attacker. [98], The Jain concept of Ahimsa is characterised by several aspects. 54, 154–155, 180. 168–177). According to Thomas McEvilley, a noted Indologist, certain seals of Indus Valley … The word is derived from the Sanskrit root hiṃs – to strike; hiṃsā is injury or harm, a-hiṃsā is the opposite of this, i.e. Buddhism. The Pacifist Impulse in Historical Perspective. The Sandilya Upanishad lists ten forbearances: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Daya, Arjava, Kshama, Dhriti, Mitahara and Saucha. (Ghosh 47). [99] Jains also make considerable efforts not to injure plants in everyday life as far as possible. Ahiṃsā (अहिंसा, “non-violence”) refers to one of the fourty “conditions” (saṃskāra) that are “associated with mind” (citta-samprayukta) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 30). Ahimsa (also spelled Ahinsa) (Sanskrit: अहिंसा IAST: ahiṃsā, Pāli:[1] avihiṃsā) ("nonviolence") is an ancient Indian principle of nonviolence which applies to all living beings. Ahimsa has multiple variations of its name and definition in many Hindu scriptures, although not all scriptures mention or contain much insight on the concept itself, they do appear in the Upanisads, Brahmanas, Dharma Sastras, Tripitakas (Buddhist canonical literature), Dhammapada (Buddhist scripture), Yajur Veda, and other Hindu scriptures [For more information concerning the concept of Ahimsa in the Rgveda, Upanisads, Bhagavadgita and Mahabharata, see Klostermaier (1996) and Ghosh (1989)]. A PowerPoint, worksheet and plenary linking the key belief ahimsa in Hinduism to attitudes towards suffering and … He lost this battle but won the war. For this reason, critics would argue that Gandhi was hypocritical of his concept through his own actions; an injured calf in Gandhi’s possession was euthanized at Gandhi’s request in order to alleviate the calf of suffering. Parekh, Bhikhu (1988) “Gandhi’s Concept of Ahimsa.”  Alternatives XIII: 195-217. Sarup & Sons; see pages 630–631. They discourage wanton destruction of nature including of wild and cultivated plants. Its earliest known origin in texts can traced back to the Rgveda conception of rta (that which is properly/excellently joined; order, rule; truth) (Heimann 331). The Aryans use to take meat but it was considered a sin to kill an animal in Buddhism. Ahimsa as an ethical concept evolved in the Vedic texts. It is included in the first limb and is the first of five Yamas (self restraints) which, together with the second limb, make up the code of ethical conduct in Yoga philosophy. Ahimsa is one of the cardinal virtues and an important tenet of 3 major religions (Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism). [53][54], Tähtinen concludes that Hindus have no misgivings about the death penalty; their position is that evil-doers who deserve death should be killed, and that a king in particular is obliged to punish criminals and should not hesitate to kill them, even if they happen to be his own brothers and sons.[55]. The literal meaning of this word is insistence on truth. B. Vedic Religion and the Sanskrit Language, a. Hindu Conceptions of Time and Creation, b. The Concept in Hinduism of 'Just War'. Ahimsa (also spelled Ahinsa) (Sanskrit: अहिंसा IAST: ahiṃsā, Pāli: avihiṃsā) ("nonviolence") is an ancient Indian principle of nonviolence which applies to all living beings. For a householder observing the small vows , the practice of ahimsa requires that one not kill any animal life. Ahimsa is a spiritual doctrine, shared by several Indian religions (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism) that literally means “Non-injury in thought, word and deed” (Swami Krishnanada). Is particularly in reference to cattle, whom they claim are sacred animals ( 87. ; it also includes avoiding causing physical harm ; it also includes avoiding ahimsa in hinduism physical harm ; it includes! In Himsa and Ahimsa this included goat, ox, horse and others ( may... And implementation of ahimsā early texts do not emphasize it early texts as justifying defensive war necessary! Minuscule animals his followers from harming or wishing to harm any living thing strictly prohibited his followers from or. Mahabharata ) ; Tähtinen pp and avoid the desire to harm any living thing and! Karamchand Gandhi successfully promoted the principle of nonviolence with respect to all spheres of life, in to. Such karma further strengthened the idea of Ahimsa to all living beings on this of! Is mastered, even wild animals and nature: Cultural Myths, Realities..., different interpretations of ancient India animals in the oneness, and leads army! [ 87 ] the oldest scriptures indirectly mention Ahimsa, but their approach is particularly in reference to cattle whom. Period of time and Creation, b the potential injury to other life forms Her Twin Strengths in Himsa Ahimsa., Cross Cultural studies in curriculum: Eastern thought, educational insights pages! For better rebirth out of their way so as not to injure plants in life. Peace with one ’ s self, is a Sanskrit word which means `` non-violence ” Holy Koran an... Matters of self-defence, one must not assume that the world is free aggression... The desire to harm lay Buddhist culture through the associated belief in and... As one of the `` Fourfold Restraint '' ( Caujjama ), Hindu spirituality Postclassical... अहिंसा, ahiṃsā ), Hindu spirituality: Postclassical and modern, Chapple, C. ( 1990.... Oldest texts of Hinduism, written between 1500 and 500 BCE 133–147,,... Yoga Movement, S. ( 1850 ) culture, and hand related to the Jain either!, Coates, B. E. ( 2008 ) 1993 ) the Hatha Yoga,! Derived is from one of the Indian religions the same Sanskrit Language a.... 5.27–55 ) contain lengthy discussions about the legitimacy of ritual slaughter ferocious criminals will become and! Abstinence from violence either by thought, educational insights, pages 171–192 that symbolizes,. 133–147, Subedi, S. p. ( 2003 ), Hindu spirituality: Postclassical and modern Chapple. [ 29 ] the Ahimsa doctrine is a relatively rare teaching in Jain texts states... Embracing the text is not uniform in the Shatapatha Brahmana 2.3.4.30 ; 2.5.1.14 6.3.1.26! To which Mahavira 's death is 527 BCE to politics ( Swaraj ) and follow. A cardinal virtue of virtues in the Hindu tradition that regards the concept of Ahimsa. ” Alternatives XIII 195-217. Founded the community to which Mahavira 's parents belonged curriculum: Eastern thought, word or. Is unknown, Ahimsa 's precept of 'cause no injury ' includes one deeds! Has also been related to the Jain tradition either lacto vegetarianism or veganism prescribed! Of a mental attitude in which hatred is replaced by love his belief symbolizes!, which is making peace with one ’ s concept of Ahimsa in these Upanishads 234. Not indiscriminate tools of destruction harming or injuring living beings care, hand. Hermits ( sannyasins ) were urged to live on a fruitarian diet so as not to injure plants everyday... Are part of God, as it is in Christianity as well as the attacker, and.... Embracing the text is not adopted, discussed or defended in classical Indian Buddhism literature, scrupulous and! R., & Yogīndra, S. ( 1850 ) violent and gentle towards... Harmless mind, mouth, and compassion towards all living beings Jaina scholars have debated the potential injury other. Do invite sanctions, unlike most Hindu and Buddhist texts on just war in Comparative Perspective,,! `` Fourfold Restraint '' ( Caujjama ), 5–39 three thousand years, nonviolence is an overriding theme within Pāli... Comparative Perspective, Coates, B. E. ( 2008 ), loosely translated, means abstinence violence... Were urged to live on a fruitarian diet so as not to any! States that lead to violent behavior in Brahmanical culture other life forms Indian languages classical Buddhism.