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Definition: The concept of ahimsa in Hinduism refers to the idea of harmlessness, non-injury, non-killing or pacifism. This doctrine is derived from the Hindu idea that all life is One and sacred and that all living things have souls which are of basically the same type, migrating from life to life until they reach nirvana. It is believed by all Hindu religious groups or groups which derive from Hinduism, although they do not all follow it in the same way.
Jains follow it the most strictly, Buddhists a bit less so, and Hindus still less. One example of how it can be followed among Hindus is Mahatma Gandhi's use of pacifism in his efforts to secure Indian independence from Great Britain.
In Hinduism, it has been categorized as one of the five principle restraints (yama) necessary in personal actions. The other four are truthfulness (satyam), not stealing or coveting (asteyam), purity of mind and body (shoucham) and control of senses (indriyanigraha).
The word ahimsa is derived from the Sanskrit Sanskrit ahims: a-, meaning not, and hims, meaning injury.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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