Ahimsa: Difference between revisions
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==Various interpretations of Ahimsa== | ==Various interpretations of Ahimsa== | ||
[[File:Sthanakvasi monks.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Some Jain monks wear a mask over their mouth]] | [[File:Sthanakvasi monks.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Some Jain monks wear a mask over their mouth]] | ||
In both [[:wikipedia:Jainism|Jainism]] and [[:wikipedia:Buddhism|Buddhism]], both circa 500BCE, | In both [[:wikipedia:Jainism|Jainism]] and [[:wikipedia:Buddhism|Buddhism]], both circa 500BCE, ahimsa is a key ethical principle. In Jainism, it is the first and main ethical principle. Jain renunciates reject the use of force even when it is required for self-defense. They are often seen wearing a mask over their mouth to avoid the unintentional ingestion of flies. And they have also been known to pour sugar into anthills.<ref name=GTHC/> Buddhists observe a somewhat less strict interpretation of ahimsa. For example, unlike Jains, not all Buddhists are vegetarian. | ||
In modern times, the concept of ahimsa has taken on a new meaning, in large part due to the teachings and activities of [[:wikipedia:Mahatma Gandhi|Mohandas Gandhi]]. According to Gandhi, ahimsa means ''non-violence''. This is perhaps the most extreme interpretation of ahimsa, given the fact that even Jains and Hindus accept the use of violence in self-defense.<ref>''Nisithabhasya'' (in ''Nisithasutra'') 289; Jinadatta Suri: ''Upadesharasayana'' 26; Dundas pp. 162–163; Tähtinen p. 31.</ref><ref>Jindal pp. 89–90; Laidlaw pp. 154–155; Jaini, Padmanabh S.: ''Ahimsa and "Just War" in Jainism'', in: ''Ahimsa, Anekanta and Jainism'', ed. Tara Sethia, New Delhi 2004, p. 52-60; Tähtinen p. 31.</ref> | In modern times, the concept of ahimsa has taken on a new meaning, in large part due to the teachings and activities of [[:wikipedia:Mahatma Gandhi|Mohandas Gandhi]]. According to Gandhi, ahimsa means ''non-violence''. This is perhaps the most extreme interpretation of ahimsa, given the fact that even Jains and Hindus accept the use of violence in self-defense.<ref>''Nisithabhasya'' (in ''Nisithasutra'') 289; Jinadatta Suri: ''Upadesharasayana'' 26; Dundas pp. 162–163; Tähtinen p. 31.</ref><ref>Jindal pp. 89–90; Laidlaw pp. 154–155; Jaini, Padmanabh S.: ''Ahimsa and "Just War" in Jainism'', in: ''Ahimsa, Anekanta and Jainism'', ed. Tara Sethia, New Delhi 2004, p. 52-60; Tähtinen p. 31.</ref> |