Ahimsa

One of the two central concepts of Hindu ethics, the other being satya (truth), ahimsa is the inspiration of soul force and passive resistance and was said by Gandhi to be common to all religions. Patanjali considered the practice of ahimsa one of the prerequisites of the development of ethical consciousness, itself necessary before embarking on the practice of yoga. Ahimsa is also one of three key elements of Jainism, where non-injury is extended to all living beings and elaborate means may be practised to avoid injuring the smallest of creatures.

Ahimsa is a positive quality of universal love, not simply a negative harmlessness. It gives the individual an inward harmony with living things and recognition of the underlying unity of life; others are affected by the love which he generates, his compassion and his service to others. Adoption of ahimsa, a non-violent attitude to life, is a natural result of self-discovery and self-knowledge, where such discovery and knowledge lead to an understanding of the essential oneness of existence. Human life is seen as an integral part of nature, and each individual's life as an essential part of human life. Each individual must therefore be respected, and the conception one person may have of the truth may not be imposed on another. The attitude of ahimsa is developed through clear discrimination, buddhi, and results in right action whatever the cost and whatever the circumstances.

Thus the adoption of ahimsa leads to a belief in the mutual coexistence of all living things, and many who adopt non-violence also adopt vegetarianism and protection of animals as logical consequences of their beliefs. Those who do not become vegetarians nevertheless respect the life which was taken to supply food (and thus life) for them; this respect is typical in many meat-eating cultures, for example among Eskimos. Respect for life is also demonstrated in the saying of grace before meals, the sacrificial slaughter of animals and, ultimately, in the eating of the mystical body and blood of Christ. Practice of ahimsa may also lead to conscientious objection to military service which may be extended to refusal to pay taxes which would be used for armaments. In Jainism, it involves rejecting the whole mechanism of aggression, possession and consumption, and choosing a profession minimizing injury to others or destruction of living beings.

One of the five moral qualities or virtues of yama (restraint), together comprising the "great vow", the first component of the eightfold path of yoga. One of the five great vows – mahavrata – of Jainism.