• 20.03.2025

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 222_1109.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.