Ahiṃsā
Ahiṃsā (अहिंसा) — Non-harming; the practice of causing no injury — physical, verbal, or mental — to any living being. Listed by Patañjali as the first of the five yamas (ethical restraints) in the Yoga Sutras, and foundational to the ethical teachings of the Mahābhārata and Manusmṛti. While often translated as "non-violence," the scope is wider: it encompasses intention, speech, and thought, not only physical action. The Mahābhārata states: "Ahiṃsā is the highest dharma" (Anuśāsana Parva 115.1) — though the text also recognises contextual dharmic use of force, making its interpretation nuanced rather than absolute.
In Brief
- Non-harming; the practice of causing no injury — physical, verbal, or mental — to any living being. Listed by Patañjali as the first of the five yamas (ethical restraints) in the Yoga Sutras, and foundational to the ethical teachings of the Mahābhārata and Manusmṛti. While often translated as "non-violence," the scope is wider: it encompasses intention, speech, and thought, not only physical action. The Mahābhārata states: "Ahiṃsā is the highest dharma" (Anuśāsana Parva 115.1) — though the text also recognises contextual dharmic use of force, making its interpretation nuanced rather than absolute.
Non-harming; the practice of causing no injury — physical, verbal, or mental — to any living being. Listed by Patañjali as the first of the five yamas (ethical restraints) in the Yoga Sutras, and foundational to the ethical teachings of the Mahābhārata and Manusmṛti. While often translated as "non-violence," the scope is wider: it encompasses intention, speech, and thought, not only physical action. The Mahābhārata states: "Ahiṃsā is the highest dharma" (Anuśāsana Parva 115.1) — though the text also recognises contextual dharmic use of force, making its interpretation nuanced rather than absolute.