● Shared · Concept
Ahimsa
अहिंसा
Do no harm — the supreme ethical principle shared by all Dharmic traditions
Ahimsa (non-violence, non-harm) is the most fundamental ethical principle across Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In Jainism it is the supreme virtue — every act of life is governed by minimising harm to all living beings. The Jain practice of wearing a mouth mask and sweeping before stepping is an expression of radical ahimsa. Mahatma Gandhi elevated ahimsa into a political strategy, proving that non-violent resistance could defeat an empire. In the Yoga Sutras, ahimsa is the first of the yamas (moral restraints).
Non-violenceNon-harmNon-injuryAvihimsa
See it as a constellationTap connections to travel, one hop at a timeAcross traditions
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Jainismsupreme principleMahavirasupreme teacher ofRishabhadevafirst teacher ofAjitanathataughtSambhavanathataughtAbhinandanataughtSumatinathataughtPadmaprabhataughtSuparshvanathataughtChandraprabhataughtSuvidhinathataughtShitalanathataughtShreyamsanathataughtVasupujyataughtVimalanathataughtAnantanathataughtDharmanathataughtShantinathataughtKunthunathataughtAranathataughtMallinathataughtMunisuvratataughtNaminathataughtJain Philosophyprimary principleGuan Yincompassion as living ahimsaAshoka the Greatgoverned empire throughThich Nhat Hanhengaged Buddhism asMahatma Gandhipolitical weapon ofParyushanafestival of livingKabirpreachedAshoka Pillaredicts ofGirnarpilgrimage embodiesMahavir Jayanticelebrates champion ofVaishalibirthplace of great teacher of
A 60-second practice
For this minute, consider: where in your day do you cause harm unconsciously — in words, in consumption, in thought? Just notice — noticing is the start of ahimsa.
Apply at every interaction throughout the day.
Keep this offering free
MyBrahman is free and ad-free for everyone. If it has given you something, dāna keeps the lamp lit.
Educational purposes only. Compiled from general reference sources and not reviewed by any religious authority. No disrespect is intended to any deity, tradition, scripture or community. For authoritative guidance, consult qualified scholars and primary texts.