what is ahimsa in jainism

Ahimsa in Jainism means non-violence or non-harm in every aspect of life. It is the first and most important vow (vrata) for both ascetics and laypeople.

• It covers thought, speech, and action. So one should not harm any living being by what one thinks, says, or does.
• There are two kinds:

- Bhaav Ahimsa: non-harm in intention or mindset. - Karm Ahimsa: non-harm in outward actions, words, and conduct.

• Jains apply this to all living beings, from big animals to tiny organisms, and this shapes daily choices (diet, speech, behavior, and how one handles possessions and work).
• In practice, lay followers observe small vows (anuvratas) that help live with non-violence, while monks and nuns observe the great vows (mahavratas) with stricter rules.
• The goal of ahimsa is the purification of the soul and its liberation (moksha), since violence binds karmic matter to the self.

Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions both uphold ahimsa as central, though there can be minor differences in how it is practiced or explained in texts.

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