Knowra Ahimsa Ahimsa Ahimsa is the ethical principle of avoiding harm to living beings through thought, speech, and action. It is central to Jainism and influential in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Jainism : An Indian religious tradition whose teachings emphasize liberation, nonviolence, and the discipline of nonattachment. Ahimsa is a foundational vow in Jain ethics and shapes everyday conduct.
Mahavrata : The five great vows undertaken by Jain ascetics in their strictest form. Its demanding rules extend nonviolence across movement, speech, livelihood, and intention.
Mahavira : The twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism, traditionally dated to the sixth century BCE. Jain tradition presents his teaching and ascetic discipline as a defining model of nonviolence.
Himsa : Harm or violence toward living beings, especially as the opposite of ahimsa. The distinction between harm and restraint defines the principle's basic ethical boundary.
Karma : The principle that intentional actions shape future experiences and, in many traditions, rebirth. Jain accounts connect harm to karmic bondage that obstructs liberation.
Ahimsa in Jainism : The Jain interpretation of nonviolence, applied rigorously to harm toward living beings. Jain practice makes the principle unusually comprehensive and concrete.
Parshvanatha : The twenty-third Tirthankara of Jainism, traditionally regarded as a predecessor of Mahavira. Jain tradition associates him with an earlier formulation of vows that included nonviolence.
Just war theory : A tradition of ethical reasoning that sets conditions under which warfare may be justified. It permits some uses of force that strict interpretations of ahimsa reject.
Jiva : In Jain philosophy, an individual living soul capable of consciousness and liberation. Recognizing souls in living beings grounds Jain restrictions on causing harm.
Vegetarianism : A dietary practice that excludes meat, with forms and motivations varying across cultures and individuals. Avoiding animal products is one practical expression of minimizing harm to living beings.
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