In Jainism, hinsa (violence or injury) is a core ethical concern. The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) is central to Jain philosophy, and practitioners are urged to avoid causing harm to any living being, whether through thought, word, or deed.

Upajivika refers to livelihood or means of earning a living. Jain ethics emphasize that even in one's means of livelihood, one must minimize or avoid hinsa as much as possible. Occupations that directly involve violence or the destruction of life (such as butchery, fishing, or agriculture that harms many organisms) are discouraged, especially for lay followers (śrāvakas), and strictly prohibited for monks and nuns.

The Jain scriptures detail "five occupations involving violence" (pañca mahā-vyāpāra) that are to be shunned:

1. Hunting and butchery (involving killing animals)
2. Agriculture (as it disturbs and destroys many forms of life in the soil)
3. Trade in meat or animal products
4. Trade in intoxicants
5. Trade in honey, lac, silk, etc., that require violence to living beings

Jains are encouraged to choose livelihoods that minimize hinsa and are consistent with the vow of ahimsa. Even within permissible professions, care should be taken to avoid unnecessary harm—this includes practices like filtering water, avoiding night work that may harm insects, and using non-violent methods for daily needs wherever possible.

In summary, Jainism teaches that one should avoid hinsa in upajivika and strive for livelihoods that align with the principle of ahimsa.