What is the greatest commandment in Jainism?
Answer
The greatest guiding commandment in Jainism is:
Ahimsa Paramo Dharma Non-violence is the supreme religion/duty.
Explanation
In Jain Dharma, Ahimsa means not harming any living being through:
- Thought
- Speech
- Action
Jainism teaches that all living beings have a soul, and every soul desires happiness and freedom from suffering. Therefore, one should live with compassion, carefulness, restraint, and respect toward all forms of life.
Spiritual Understanding
Ahimsa is considered supreme because violence binds harmful karma to the soul, while non-violence purifies the soul and leads one toward liberation.
For monks and nuns, Ahimsa is practiced in the highest and strictest form. For householders, it is practiced according to their capacity through vegetarianism, compassion, truthfulness, self-control, and careful living.
Takeaway
In Jainism, the highest commandment is to live in a way that causes the least harm and cultivates the deepest compassion for all living beings.