“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ahimsa means non-violence. It is derived from the Sanskrit word, Himsa, which means to do harm. The “a” is placed next to it, negating it to mean “to do no harm.” My goal is not to reflect on the word Ahimsa as it relates to any particular religion (i.e., Jainism) or movement attributable to any one person (i.e., Mahatma Gandhi) but to look at the word holistically as one of the core elements of life.
To really understand what the word means, one has to understand what they can achieve through the practice of non-violence both as a direct action (active Ahimsa) and as a philosophy of life (passive Ahimsa). In my opinion, the definition of Ahimsa from both a passive and active perspective are valid and inter-related as only from passive Ahimsa can we achieve active Ahimsa. Wouldn’t our thoughts drive our words and actions?
As it relates to Think Ahimsa, my focus is non-violence toward humanity. I view Ahimsa as a method of binding people together. One of my favorite explanations of the essence of Ahimsa is paraphrased below:
In the regeneration and divinisation of man, the first step is to eliminate his beastly nature. The predominant trait in beasts is cruelty. Therefore, wise sages prescribe Ahimsa (non-injury). This is the most effective master-method to counteract and eradicate completely the brutal, cruel bestial nature in man.
Practice of Ahimsa develops love. Ahimsa is another name for truth or love. Ahimsa is universal love. It is pure love. Where there is love, there you will find Ahimsa. Where there is Ahimsa, there you will find love and selfless service. They all go together.
The one message of all saints and prophets of all times and climes, is the message of love, of Ahimsa, of selfless service. Ahimsa is the noblest and best of traits that are found expressed in the daily life and activities of perfected souls. Ahimsa is the one means, not only to attain Salvation, but also to enjoy uninterrupted peace and bliss. Man attains peace by injuring no living creature.
There is one religion – the religion of love, of peace. There is one message, the message of Ahimsa. Ahimsa is a supreme duty of man.
Ahimsa, or refraining from causing pain to any living creature, is a distinctive quality emphasized by ethics. Ahimsa or non-violence has been the central doctrine of culture from the earliest days of its history. Ahimsa is a great spiritual force.
~ Sri Swami Sivananda