ahimsa

Everyday

1. (religion) Ahimsa is the idea of not harming any living thing, in thought, word or action; it is an important teaching in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. tree →
2. Non-violence as a way of life and of working for change. tree →

In the lessons

In religious education ahimsa is taught with Indian religions: many Jains and Hindus are vegetarian because of it, and Jain monks may sweep the path so as not to step on insects. In history lessons, Mahatma Gandhi used ahimsa (non-violence) in India's struggle for freedom. Phrases: «the principle of ahimsa», «practise ahimsa».

Examples

• Ahimsa means doing no harm to any living thing. tree →
• Because of ahimsa, many Jains do not eat meat. tree →
• Gandhi used ahimsa to protest peacefully. tree →
• Some monks walk carefully to avoid hurting insects, following ahimsa. tree →
• Our class talked about how ahimsa is like being kind to animals. tree →
• Ahimsa is a word from Sanskrit, an old language of India. tree →
• Buddhists, Hindus and Jains all value ahimsa. tree →

Note

A word from Sanskrit; uncountable; often in italics in books. Stress: a-HIM-sa. Meaning in English: non-violence, harmlessness.