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How did Jainism extend nonviolence to all living things?
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History of ethics
Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, portrait bust.
In Jainism, the ethical principle of ahimsa (nonviolence) is extended to all living things because the tradition holds that an infinite number of beingsāranging from animals and plants to microscopic organisms called nigodasāpossess a soul, or jiva.1
Jain ethics posits that harming any jiva causes the accumulation of karma, a physical substance that binds the soul to the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and obstructs its natural purity. Because even unintentional harm can attract karma, Jains are encouraged to act with extreme vigilance and care. This commitment manifests in several ways:213
- Dietary Practices: Vegetarianism is the norm, and many Jains avoid root vegetables, as harvesting them destroys the entire plant and harms surrounding life-forms.41
- Monastic Precautions: Ascetics may filter water, wear cloth masks (mukhavastrika) to avoid inhaling insects, and sweep the ground before them to prevent stepping on small creatures.21
- Mental Discipline: Violence is understood to begin in the mind; therefore, Jains strive to eliminate negative thoughts and passionate states, as these also attract karmic particles.42
Ultimately, Jainism teaches that nonviolence is the highest religious practice, requiring constant awareness of the myriad souls that inhabit the world.41