Answer

In Jain Dharma, violence is defined as the destruction of a living being’s vital force caused by negligence or carelessness.

Verse:

प्रमत्तयोगात् प्राणव्यपरोपणं हिंसा

Transliteration:

pramattayogāt prāṇavyaparopaṇaṃ hiṃsā

Explanation

This means:

• Pramattayogāt = due to negligence, carelessness, or passion
• Prāṇa-vyaparopaṇaṃ = destruction or injury of life-force
• Hiṃsā = violence

So, according to Jain philosophy, violence is not only physical killing. It also includes any action, speech, or thought that harms a living being, especially when done with carelessness or harmful intention.

Spiritual Understanding

Jainism teaches that every living being values life and has consciousness. Therefore:

• Even small harm should be avoided.
• True non-violence begins with awareness and self-control.
• Reducing हिंसा helps purify the soul and leads toward liberation.

Takeaway

In Jain Dharma, violence is any negligent harm to life. The practice of ahimsa means living with utmost care, compassion, and restraint.