Explain the Hindu teaching of ahimsa

Document Type:Research Paper

Subject Area:Religion

Document 1

Hinduism also referred to as Sanātana Dharma is a religion viewed to be an Indian religion widely practiced by the Asian community. The religion is generally a collection of Indian traditional cultures and philosophies which can be viewed as religions on their own. Despite having its roots in India, Hinduism is a religion practiced all around the world. Sanātana Dharma has various sects and sub-sects of the ancient philosophies know as Darshanas which are documented in several Holy Scriptures classified into Śrutiand Smṛti (Hindupedia). The Hindu religion is mainly based on various ideologies that are meant to guide believers throughout their lifetime. Some of the ways in which Ahimsa is practiced in the Hindu religion include; refraining from eating of meat or any animal products, showing compassion towards all living creatures, refraining from violence and practicing forgiveness, avoiding any situation where living creatures especially animals are subjected to pain among many other ways.

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It is believed in Hinduism that all living creatures have souls and that each one of us has a destiny to fulfill and that it is the duty of all human beings to see that peace prevails all across the globe so that all living creatures are able to fulfill their destinies. It is therefore believed that the killing of any living creature is seen to be a mortal sin which is accompanied consequences (Sri). The Hindu religion associates the killing of living creatures with bad karma and one is believed to suffer consequences. However one is exempted from the karmic consequences in event killing of a creature is sanctioned in the Holy Scriptures i. The religion of Hinduism encourages everyone, not only its faithfuls to; free themselves from any negative thoughts towards oneself as the first step towards achieving Ahimsa.

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