Answer

In Jain Dharma, a shravak should avoid four main types of himsa as much as possible:

• Sankalpi Himsa — intentional violence
• Arambhi Himsa — violence involved in daily household activities
• Udyami Himsa — violence involved in occupation or livelihood
• Virodhi Himsa — violence done in protection or defense

Explanation

• Sankalpi Himsa: Violence done knowingly, deliberately, or with harmful intention. A shravak must completely avoid this.
• Arambhi Himsa: Violence that may happen while doing necessary household activities, such as cooking, cleaning, walking, or using water. A shravak should minimize this through care and awareness.
• Udyami Himsa: Violence connected with one’s profession, business, farming, trade, or work. A shravak should choose a livelihood that causes the least harm.
• Virodhi Himsa: Violence that may happen while protecting oneself, family, society, or property. A shravak should avoid aggression and act only with restraint when absolutely necessary.

Spiritual Understanding

For a Jain shravak, the goal is to live with ahimsa, compassion, and alertness. Since householders cannot avoid all forms of worldly activity, Jain Dharma teaches them to especially avoid intentional violence and reduce unavoidable harm as much as possible.

Takeaway

A shravak should completely give up intentional himsa and carefully minimize other forms of himsa in daily life, work, and protection.