Definition
The principle of not harming living beings, interpreted with different demands in Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism and modern movements.
Ahi的sā is not limited to the absence of conflict. Gandhi l á associated with satyāgraha, active resistance based on truth, in a specific political context.
To be retained
- Reducing concrete harm
- Protecting without humiliation
- Examining structural violence
- Respecting the diversity of traditions
Origin of the term and context
Sanskrit ahi的sā combines the private prefix a- and hi的sā, "aggravation, violence". Jainism makes it an extremely demanding principle; other traditions offer different applications.
Why does it matter?
Non-violence can transform conflicts and protect lives, but its effectiveness depends on the power relations and must not become an injunction for victims to remain exposed.
- Reducing concrete harm
- Protecting without humiliation
- Examining structural violence
- Respecting the diversity of traditions
How can it be explored or practised?
- Reform a criticism without personal attack
- Reduce consumption due to preventable suffering
- Learn a method of de-escalation
- Supporting the safety of a victim
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Non-violence is not passivity.
- It must not prevent legitimate protection.
- Food choices do not sum up all ethical issues.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Jainism: radical non-violence towards living beings.
- Yoga: first Yama in Yoga Sūtra.
- Gandhism: political force of truth and non-cooperation.
To go further
- Autobiography or My Experiences of Truth — Gandhi
- The Jains — Paul Dundas