Ahimsa is a key concept in several Indian religions, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The term literally translates to "non-violence" or "non-harming" and signifies a principle of avoiding harm to all living beings, whether through actions, words, or thoughts.
In Jainism, ahimsa is one of the fundamental ethical principles and is practiced to an extreme degree, as Jains avoid actions that could harm even the smallest organisms. In Hinduism, ahimsa is also important, particularly in the context of vegetarianism and compassion towards all living beings.
Mahatma Gandhi popularized the concept in the 20th century as a form of political resistance against oppression, emphasizing that non-violent resistance can achieve social and political change.
Overall, ahimsa encourages individuals to cultivate kindness, compassion, and understanding, as well as to live in a way that minimizes harm to others.
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