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Ahimsa in Sanskrit
Ahimsa - is non-violence. "Himsa" - translates as violence. "A" - is a negation.
Ahimsa definition
It is first mentioned in Vedic scriptures about 3000 years ago, where it refers to non-injury to the sacrificer himself. More or less from the time the concept of non-violence appeared it is questioned and argued about. The doctrine exists in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and elsewhere... But even two people of one religion may have different views on how to interpret the meaning of Ah-sa. Non-violence can be as broad and strict as in Jainism, where for example even agriculture itself is to be abstained from as it may harm little insects, worms and plants. On the other hand non-violence concept in Hindu religion allows wars, killing of criminals, etc.
Gandhi and Ahimsa
Mahatma Gandhi made non-violence his politics and won. He inspired Martin Luther King Jr. And he shared these views with Lev Tolstoy. Gandhiji also made clear his interpretation of Bhagavat Gita "war story" - where some say Lord Krishna was convincing Arjuna to fight and kill. In Gandhiji interpretation it was "an allegory in which the battlefield is the soul and Arjuna, man's higher impulses struggling against evil."
How do I personally define Ah-sa
Whether Bhagavat Gita refers to a war or is an allegory - what we understand by Ah-sa is a matter of choice really. For me the fighting or better to say "process" we should participate in is overcoming our vices, silencing our angry, disappointed, jealous, fearful minds and instead - opening our hearts to a better us, helping ourselves to grow and develop into happy, joyful, kind humans. The meaning of Ah-sa and Yoga (non-violence is part of one of the eight Yoga limbs) is making our minds peaceful enough, so that we can notice that we are not alone, so that we could be in union with everything. Then Ah-sa comes naturally (as a part of the development and as a part of the goal).
Non-violence in day-to-day life
No need to argue. No need to take the concept of non-violence to the limits where we are not able to follow and laugh and throw away something which can help us greatly. Ah-sa can be "practiced", lived at many levels. Take yourself where you are ready to be and more changes will gradually come. Asana and pranayama practice and meditation will help you first of all to be less stressed and tired - this will help to decrease angry, dissatisfaction thoughts (and hence deeds). Switching to vegetarian diet will further change your attitude to life and living beings, to yourself. And so on... Sky is the limit. And with time non-violence transforms into kind and loving attitude, compassion. It is active, creative... Ah-sa is not a restriction, it is opening of a new understanding and way of life.
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