Literal meaning of ahimsa

Ahimsa

Jains believe that the only way to save one's own soul is to protect every other soul, and so the most central Jain teaching, and the heart of Jain ethics, is that of ahimsa (non-violence).

In practical terms the biggest part that ahimsa plays in the lives of lay Jains today is in the regulation of their diet.

Mahavira taught that:

there is no quality of soul more subtle than non-violence and no virtue of spirit greater than reverence for life Mahavira

Ahimsa is often translated simply as non-violence, but its implications are far wider; it is more than not doing violence, it is more than an attitude, it is a whole way of life. And for modern Jains the concept also includes the positive elements of working for justice, peace, liberation, and freedom, if doing so does not involve violence.

Mahatma Gandhi was a famous advocate of Ahimsa, as it informed his policy of passive resistance, satyagraha (combining the Sanskrit terms for 'truth' and 'holding firmly') - which he adopted towards the occupying British forces during the period leading up to Indian independence. Some Jains have criticised this as being a subtle form of violence.

You may think that there is a high degree of self-interest in the doctrine of ahimsa, because in Jainism harm done to other beings is considered harm to oneself since it attracts much karma and thus hinders the soul's journey to liberation. But this is merely an appearance - the level of detachment that a Jain seeks to cultivate eliminates self-interest.

The literal meaning

Literally translated, Ahimsa means to be without harm; to be utterly harmless, not only to oneself and others, but to all forms of life, from the largest mammals to the smallest bacteria.

Jains believe that life (which equals soul) is sacred regardless of faith, caste, race, or even species.

Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture or kill any creature or living being. Jain scripture

In following this discipline Jain monks may be observed treading and sweeping in their temples with the utmost of care so as to avoid accidentally crushing crawling insects, or wearing muslin cloths over their mouths in case they should accidentally swallow a fly.