In Jain Dharma, non‑violence (Ahimsa) means: “Do not hurt any living being – in thought, word, or action – as far as possible.”

To practice it in daily life, start in these simple steps:

---

1. Ahimsa in Thoughts (Mana)

• Try not to think of revenge, hatred, jealousy.
• When such thoughts come, replace them with:

- Maitri Bhavna – “May all beings be my friends.” - Kshama Bhavna – “I forgive and seek forgiveness.”

• Do a short Pratikraman at night: remember any harm you did in the day and ask for inner forgiveness.

---

2. Ahimsa in Speech (Vachan)

• Avoid harsh, angry, insulting words – they hurt like weapons.
• Speak:

- Truthfully (Satya) - Softly (mild voice) - At the right time (not to provoke or humiliate).

• Avoid gossip, backbiting, lies for profit – these all create himsa.

---

3. Ahimsa in Actions (Kaya)

(a) In Food and Drink

• Be strictly vegetarian; avoid meat, eggs, fish, honey.
• As far as possible, avoid:

- Root vegetables (potato, onion, garlic, etc.) – many lives are destroyed when roots are taken. - Eating and drinking after sunset – more small beings are harmed in darkness. - Unfiltered water – always strain/boil water to reduce killing micro‑organisms.

• Eat only as much as needed, without greed and waste.

(b) Towards Insects, Animals, and Nature

• Do not kill insects just out of irritation; instead:

- Gently remove them outside. - Use physical barriers (nets, clean kitchen) instead of poisons where possible.

• Be kind to animals:

- No cruelty for entertainment or taste. - Support cruelty‑free products as far as you can.

• Reduce waste and pollution – harming environment is also harming countless jivas.

---

4. Ahimsa in Relationships & Work

• At home: avoid anger, shouting, and physical punishment; use calm discussion.
• At work or business:

- Be honest; cheating, exploitation, and unfair wages are forms of himsa. - Do not encourage businesses based on killing or cruelty (slaughter, weapons, etc.) if you can avoid it.

---

5. Take Small Vows (Anuvrats)

You can slowly strengthen Ahimsa by taking simple personal rules, for example:

• “I will not eat after sunset.”
• “I will avoid root vegetables on certain days.”
• “I will not speak in anger today.”
• “I will not harm any living being knowingly today.”

Start small but steady. In Jainism, even reducing violence step by step is a big progress.

---

For a simple explanation of Ahimsa as one of the five main vows, you can read more here