The Genesis
Ahimsa a way of Life
The practice of Ahimsa received great impetus from the 6th century B.C. with the advent of Buddhism and Jainism. Buddha and particularly Mahavira laid special emphasis on ahimsa and radically changed the day to day life of the common man. Every action in life was to be in conformity with the concept of ahimsa and vegetarianism came into existence.
Life of the Buddha is a living example of non-violent existence and these episodes are again and again illustrated in art, particularly in the sculptures from Gandhara and the paintings of Ajanta. The followers of Buddhism have to take five vows described as panchasheela, the first of which is to practice Ahimsa.
Ahimsa became a household word with Jainism. All the 24 Jaina Tirthankaras are supposed to have preached non-violence. Like Buddhism, Jainism also includes ahimsa as the first vow to be taken by the devotee. For the first time, vegetarianism was introduced as an essential part of the code of conduct for the adherents of a religion. Hence, vegetarianism spread with the spread of Jainism. Introduction and spread of vegetarianism is indeed a turning point in the history of mankind when man learns to regulate his needs to protect the right of existence of others.
"As I am so are these as these are so I am identifying himself with others, let him not kill nor cause any one to kill."
(Dhammapada)
 |
 |
copyright (c) 1997 Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, Mumbai