विभिन्न धर्मों में अहिंसा की अवधारणा
Summary
The article examines the concept of non-violence (ahimsa) across various religions, noting that while the world faces violence, terrorism, and extremism, non-violent forces remain unorganized. It defines religion as the art of living an excellent life, emphasizing that despite doctrinal differences, all religions stress purity of conduct and behavior. Non-violence is presented as a universal and widely accepted value, with Jainism particularly recognized as a non-violence-centric religion. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, declared non-violence as the protector of all beings, advocating for the cessation of killing, recognizing that all beings experience pleasure and pain equally. He expanded the definition of non-violence to include self-restraint towards all living and non-living entities, with fearlessness and friendship as its positive aspects. The article also references Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, where non-violence is the first of five yamas, defined as non-hostility towards all beings at all times. The Yajurveda states that one who sees all beings in themselves and themselves in all beings does not hate anyone. The Mahabharata asserts that there is no higher religion than the renunciation of violence through mind, speech, and body. Buddhism's five precepts give prominence to non-violence, with the Buddha instructing not to kill, cause killing, or approve of killing. Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak emphasized compassion towards all beings, stating that a saint without compassion is like a butcher. Islam theoretically prohibits killing, with Maulana Rumi stating that even thousands of prayers are unacceptable if one takes a life. Prophet Muhammad instructed mercy towards earthly beings to receive mercy from above. Christianity, based on love and compassion, teaches non-killing and love for one's neighbor, exemplified by turning the other cheek. The article concludes that non-violence is a universal religion, with no religion or sect sanctioning violence, though interpretations may vary.
Conclusion
The document concludes that non-violence (ahimsa) is a universal and essential principle across all major religions, including Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism. Despite doctrinal differences, every faith condemns killing and promotes compassion, mercy, and ethical conduct. The analysis highlights that violence arises from internal states like attachment and aversion, and that true non-violence requires inner purity, self-restraint, and a vegetarian diet. The implications are clear: a peaceful society depends on reviving these shared values and organizing non-violent forces as effectively as violent ones are today. Ultimately, the text asserts that non-violence is not merely a passive ideal but the only viable path to individual peace, social harmony, and global survival.