अहिंसा
Ahimsa
(ahiṃsā)Non-violence; the practice of causing no harm to any living being
Full Meaning
Ahimsa is the first and most foundational of Patañjali's five yamas (ethical restraints). A (not) + hiṃsā (harm) = non-violence. It applies to thought, word, and action. Ahimsa is the foundation of Jain and Buddhist ethics, and Gandhi's entire political philosophy of Satyāgraha.
Etymology
A (अ, not) + hiṃsā (हिंसा, harm, violence). Hiṃsā from the root han (हन्) — to strike, to kill.
Usage in Sanskrit Texts
Gandhi translated ahimsa into Satyāgraha — truth-force — the method of non-violent resistance that won India's independence and inspired civil rights movements worldwide.
अहिंसा परमो धर्मः — Non-violence is the highest dharma. (Mahābhārata)
Related Sanskrit Words
Learn Sanskrit — not just the words, but the language.
VedaLingo teaches Sanskrit from the alphabet up — free, 10 minutes a day.
Start Learning Free →