Ahimsa in the Sanatana Dharma

There is no alternative to non-violence. For Dharma-Raksha -the protection of humanity, the path of non violence should not be abandoned till the end

-  Dr. Ravindra Kumar

The word Ahimsa (non-violence) literally means the absence of Himsa (violence). In other words, the absence of violence or the exact opposite state of violence is nonviolence.

What is Himsa -violence? The word Himsa, derived from 'Hims' means to strike or assault. Thus, Himsa (violence) is to harm someone. To cause pain to someone or even further to kill someone, i.e., to take someone's life is Himsa (violence). In the description of violence by the great Samskrit grammarian Acharya Panini, violence appears in terms such as intent or action to cause pain and take life.

Violence is, thus, a great evil. This is a big obstacle in life. That is why; in the First Sukta of the First Mandala of the Rigveda, the foundational scripture of the Sanatana Dharma itself, a prayer has been made to Paramatma, the Creator, the Nurturer, the Master and the Saviour of the universe Who is Himself completely free from the evil of violence, to get humanity free from all kinds of violence. The word 'Adhvaram' appears in the Fourth Mantra of the First Sukta of the First Mandala of the Rigveda. It means, "free from the evil of violence". The basic spirit of this word has, in fact, been expressed in man's longing in indulging violencefree deeds; for this, Paramatma, the ultimate source of Ahimsa (non-violence) and the great Compassionate Creator of the Universe has been prayed to. May God guide and lead man to attain a state of freedom from violence.

The basic spirit of the word 'Adhvaram', along with the essence of the entire Mantra, lies in the embrace of nonviolence as opposed to violence. In this, there is a longing to engage in non-violence-based broad welfaristic activities or deeds. There is a strong desire therein to pave the way for greater welfare by establishing mutual co-operation and harmony through forbearance and tolerance, the best practices of non-violence itself, in an environment surcharged with friendliness and active goodwill.