Non-violence (Ahimsa) holds a supreme place in Hindu ethics. The Mahabharata calls it the highest dharma. From the Jain and Buddhist traditions that emerged from Hindu soil, to Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy that changed the world — ahimsa is India's greatest gift to human civilization. These shlokas illuminate its depth.
01
अहिंसा परमो धर्मः।
Ahimsa paramo dharmah
✦
Non-violence is the supreme dharma. This is the most quoted ethical principle in all of Hindu philosophy.
Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva
02
सर्वभूतहिते रताः।
Sarvabhutahite ratah
✦
Be devoted to the welfare of all beings. True non-violence extends beyond not harming — it means actively working for the good of every creature.
Bhagavad Gita 12.4
03
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च।
Adveshta sarvabhutanam maitrah karuna eva cha
✦
One who is free from hatred toward all beings, who is friendly and compassionate — such a person is dear to Me, says Krishna.
Bhagavad Gita 12.13
04
मा हिंस्यात् सर्वा भूतानि।
Ma himsyat sarva bhutani
✦
Do not harm any living being. This universal Vedic commandment is the seed from which the entire philosophy of ahimsa grew.