Ahimsa in Buddhism Though the Buddhist Concept

Ahimsa in Buddhism

Though the Buddhist concept of ahimsa may often be misinterpreted as being purely concerned with physical pacification, in reality the ideal encompasses both a peaceful attitude towards others as well as an attention to one's own positive and non-violent mental state. In short, ahimsa incorporates non-injury towards others as well as non-injury towards the self through negative mental ideations (tying in, of course, with the Buddhist tenets of reincarnation and karma). It is important to stress the inclusion of harmful "thought[s], word[s], or deed[s]" in what ahimsa opposes in order to form a dichotomy between this concept and that of himsa (Sivananda, 2009). The latter incorporates any form of "harshness," be it through direct means or through the "sin of omission" (Sinvananda, 2009).

It's curious, with this in mind, to consider how ahimsa relates to the concepts of strength; after all, the two seem diametrically opposed at face value. In reality, however, Buddhism stresses the "fearlessness" and "bravery" required in order to practice non-violent and non-harmful means of living (Sinvananda, 2009). Consider, for instance, the strength required in order to hold oneself back from violence when one is in the midst of great pain at the hands of others and, consequently, the infuriation inflicted on the violent party upon seeing such non-action. Ahimsa underscores the Buddhist stress on the importance and strength of the mental realm over the physical one -- the belief that the forcing out of violence from the mind leads to a united, Advaitic consciousness (Sinvananda, 2009).

Though this crucial precept of Buddhism has been adapted by numerous "freedom fighters" in the past -- including those who (realistically so) had to resort to self-defense, the ideal concept of ahimsa remains stolidly against harm against a living creature for any means. This, of course, is contrary to many elements of human life, down to those that are as simple as walking across a field of grass and unintentionally stepping on a number of aphids, ants, or other small creatures. Pure, ideal ahimsa would never allow such things for they would allow the accumulation of "karmic impurities" (O'Sullivan, 2010). Such karmic impurities would not only impede the quality of the practitioner's life on Earth (their conscious existence as well as their time spent meditating), but would also -- as mentioned above -- lead to negative repercussions in the afterlife and in terms of reincarnation.

Consequently, a large part of the principle of ahimsa is centered outside the physical body and finds its manifestation in the minds of those who practice the concept. Straying away from violent actions becomes just as, if not less, important than practicing positive thinking towards oneself, not retaliating against those who cause one ill, and of course, never wishing harm upon others.

Works Cited:

Molloy, M. (2006). Experiencing the world's religions: tradition, challenge, and change.