Ahimsa: Cultivating Peace and Spiritual Growth
Observing ahimsa exerts a profound influence on both everyday life and a person’s spiritual development. First of all, this principle promotes refraining from any form of violence toward all living beings. This worldview not only shapes high moral standards but also contributes to the creation of a new, humane value system in society. For example, as stated in source link txt, “This view became so established in India that even in the 20th century Gandhi considered it one of the important elements of the new way of life he was creating. In the same manner, hunting began to be looked upon with disapproval... Thus, the doctrine of ahimsa, or nonviolence toward all living beings, was known even before the Buddha’s preaching.” This assertion highlights that sincere adherence to the principle of ahimsa helps not only to eliminate aggression in everyday behavior but also plays a key role in forming the ethical and cultural foundation of society.Furthermore, ahimsa as a principle becomes the basis for upholding truthfulness, courage, and love in a person’s life. Source link txt notes: “Gandhi adopted the foundations of his accepted morality from Jainism — one of the oldest Indian religions. The main idea of Jainism is ahimsa — refraining from any physical harm to living beings... However, the requirement of ahimsa also includes refraining from spiritual harm. According to the teachings of both Jainism and Gandhi, for the observance of ahimsa — that is, not causing pain and evil — truthfulness and courage are needed, with love as their source.” Thus, commitment to ahimsa not only helps to avoid causing physical harm but also encourages the cultivation of spiritual qualities that allow a person to develop morally and spiritually.Overall, practicing ahimsa creates a lifestyle centered on deep respect for all living things and fosters spiritual growth through the practice of truthfulness, love, and compassion. These ideas, which permeate cultural and moral traditions, help individuals establish harmonious relationships with the surrounding world, serving as a foundation for their spiritual development.Supporting citation(s):“This view became so established in India that even in the 20th century Gandhi considered it one of the important elements of the new way of life he was creating. In the same manner, hunting began to be looked upon with disapproval. Thus, the teaching on ahimsa, or nonviolence toward all living beings, was known even before the Buddha’s preaching. The religious views of India, in a sense, contributed to the moral upbringing of the people. It can be boldly asserted that ancient Indian culture, when compared to other contemporary cultures, was most deeply imbued with the ethical element. This was reflected even in such, seemingly distant from humanism, areas as war.” (source: link txt)“Gandhi adopted the foundations of his accepted morality from Jainism — one of the oldest Indian religions. The main idea of Jainism is ahimsa — refraining from any physical harm to living beings. Some of its adherents even do not wear clothing, ‘dressed in air,’ and some wear white garments. However, the requirement of ahimsa also includes refraining from spiritual harm. According to the teachings of both Jainism and Gandhi, for the observance of ahimsa — that is, not inflicting pain and evil — truthfulness and courage are required, with love being their source. One of the most prominent modern researchers of philosophical thought, V.F. Asmus, sees in Gandhi’s developed program an influence of Tolstoyan ideas.” (source: link txt)