FAQ

Below are the Frequently Asked Questions about Jainsim. If you have a question we have not answered please do write to us.

Who was the founder of Jainism?

Jains believe that the universe always has and always will continue to exist; hence, there can be no founder. However, the level of devotion towards religious practices, as well as circumstance of the times, varies. Therefore, during every half of the Jain time cycle, or Kälchakra, a set of 24 Tirthankars (omniscient leaders of the Jain congregation, whose souls have since been liberated) is born. These figures re-establish order and preach Jainism, providing Jains with guidance through their teachings.

However, Mahavira (Vardhamana Mahavira), the 24th and last Tirthankara, is often considered the key historical figure and reformer of Jainism. He lived in the 6th century BCE and helped shape Jain teachings into the form followed today.

So, while Jainism does not have a single founder, Mahavira is the most well-known and influential figure in its history.

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Jainism is based on five core principles (vows) that guide ethical and spiritual living. These principles help in attaining liberation (moksha) by overcoming karma and following a path of non-violence and self-discipline.

  1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence) – परम अहिंसा
    • The most fundamental principle of Jainism.
    • Jains avoid harming any living being, including humans, animals, insects, and even microscopic organisms.
    • This extends to thought, speech, and action (not hurting through words or thoughts).
    • Many Jains follow strict vegetarianism or even veganism.
  1. Satya (Truthfulness) – सत्य
    • Always speaking the truth, but in a way that does not hurt others.
    • Avoiding lies, gossip, or deceptive speech.
    • If speaking the truth causes harm, it is better to remain silent.
  1. Asteya (Non-Stealing) – अस्तेय
    • Not taking anything that is not willingly given.
    • This includes avoiding theft, fraud, corruption, and exploitation.
    • Practicing honesty in all aspects of life.
  1. Brahmacharya (Celibacy or Chastity) – ब्रह्मचर्य
    • For monks/nuns: Complete celibacy (no thoughts or actions related to sexual desires).
    • For householders: Maintaining fidelity in relationships and moderation in desires.
    • Helps in reducing attachment and distractions in life.
  1. Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness) – अपरिग्रह
    • Avoiding material attachment and greed.
    • Living a simple, minimalistic life with only what is necessary.
    • Helps in letting go of ego and desires, leading to spiritual progress.

 

Additional Philosophical Principles

Jainism also emphasizes:
🔸 Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism) – Truth has multiple perspectives; one should respect different viewpoints.
🔸 Syadvada (Relativity of Truth) – No single statement can describe the whole truth completely.
🔸 Karma Theory – Every action binds karma, affecting future rebirths.

Jainism does not believe in a creator God who governs the universe. Instead, Jainism revere enlightened souls who serve as spiritual guides. The focus is on self-effort, karma, and personal liberation rather than seeking divine intervention. Jainsim teaches that:

  1. The Universe is Eternal – It was never created and will never be destroyed. It operates on natural laws, not divine will.
  2. No Supreme Creator or Controller – There is no all-powerful deity who rewards, punishes, or interferes in human affairs.
  3. Liberated Souls (Tirthankaras) Are Worshipped – Jains worship Tirthankaras (spiritually perfected beings) who have attained Moksha (liberation) and are free from the cycle of birth and death. However, they do not act as gods—they are role models, not rulers.

Who Do Jains Worship?

  • Tirthankaras – Enlightened beings like Mahavira and Parshvanatha.
  • Siddhas – Pure, liberated souls beyond human suffering.
  • Yakshas & Yakshinis – Protective deities (but they are not supreme gods).

A Tirthankar (Tīrthaṅkara) in Jainism is a spiritually enlightened being who attains Kevala Jnana (absolute knowledge) and guides others on the path of liberation (Moksha). A Tirthankar is a perfected soul and spiritual teacher who guides humanity toward liberation. Jains revere but do not worship them as gods—instead, they follow their teachings to achieve self-realization.

Meaning of Tirthankar
  • The word “Tirthankar” means “Ford-maker” – one who helps others cross the ocean of worldly existence (Samsara) to attain liberation.
  • They establish Dharma (righteous path) whenever humanity loses its spiritual direction.
Characteristics of a Tirthankar
  • Born as human beings but attain spiritual perfection.
  • Attain Kevala Jnana (infinite knowledge) through self-discipline and meditation.
  • Establish the Jain Sangha (community) to guide others.
  • Achieve Moksha at the end of their life and become Siddhas (liberated souls).
24 Tirthankars in the Current Time Cycle
  • Jainism believes in an eternal cycle of time, and in every cycle, 24 Tirthankars are born.
The Last Two Tirthankars:
  • 23rd Tirthankar – Parshvanath (877–777 BCE)
    • Preached 4 vows: Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, and non-attachment.
  • 24th Tirthankar – Mahavira (599–527 BCE)
    • Added the 5th vow: Celibacy and formalized Jain teachings.
  • The first Tirthankar, Rishabhdev (Adinath), is believed to have lived millions of years ago.
Are Tirthankars Gods?
  • No, they are not gods in the traditional sense.
  • They do not create, control, or judge the universe.
  • They serve as role models and show the path to liberation.

Jain texts mention that the next 24 Tirthankaras will be different individuals, but their roles and purpose will be the same as the current 24. Their names and details are not specifically mentioned in Jain scriptures, but their coming is guaranteed by Jain cosmology.

When Will They Come?

  • The 6th era of Avasarpini will last for a very long time (possibly millions of years).
  • Only when the next Utsarpini cycle reaches its 3rd era will the first Tirthankara of the next set appear.
  • This means humanity will have to wait an extremely long time before the next Tirthankaras arrive.

Current Period: No New Tirthankaras

According to Jain belief, in the current era, it is not possible for anyone to attain Tirthankara status because:

  • The spiritual environment is too degraded for anyone to reach that level of enlightenment.
  • The next Tirthankaras will be born only when conditions improve in the next cycle.
  1. Karma is a Material Substance
    • It is made up of extremely fine particles that are invisible but physically exist.
    • It binds to the soul whenever a person engages in actions driven by emotions like anger, greed, pride, or deceit.
  1. Karma Determines Rebirth and Experiences
    • The type and intensity of karma decide which body one is born into (human, animal, celestial, hell-being) and the pleasures or suffering one faces.
  1. Accumulation and Shedding of Karma
    • New karma accumulates through thoughts, words, and actions (good or bad).
    • Karma can be shed (nirjara) through strict discipline, penance, and following Jain principles.
    • Liberation (moksha) occurs when all karma is completely removed.
Types of Karma in Jainism

Karma is broadly divided into eight types, categorized into Ghati (destructive) and Aghati (non-destructive) karmas:

1. Ghati Karma (Harmful to the Soul’s Knowledge and Purity)
  •  Jnanavaraniya Karma – Obstructs true knowledge.
  • Darshanavaraniya Karma – Obstructs true perception.
  • Mohaniya Karma – Causes delusions, attachments, and passions.
  • Antaraya Karma – Creates obstacles in achieving spiritual progress.
2. Aghati Karma (Affects the Body, Not the Soul’s Purity)
  • Vedaniya Karma – Determines pleasure or pain.
  • Nama Karma – Determines body type (human, animal, etc.).
  • Gotra Karma – Decides social status or family birth.
  • Ayushya Karma – Determines lifespan.
How to Remove Karma? (Moksha Path)

Jains follow a disciplined lifestyle to purify the soul and remove karma:

  • Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) – Believing in the truth of Jain teachings.
  • Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnan) – Understanding reality without bias.
  • Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) – Following ethical principles, practicing self-control.
Final Goal: Moksha (Liberation)
  • When all karma is eliminated, the soul becomes pure, free, and attains Siddha state (permanent liberation).
  • A liberated soul exists in Siddhashila, beyond the cycle of birth and death.

Yes, Jains believe in reincarnation as part of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).

Jains emphasize that the only way to escape it is through self-purification and liberation. Unlike some Hindu beliefs, Jains do not seek rebirth in heaven but strive for complete liberation (Moksha), which is beyond all cycles of life and death.

How Reincarnation Works in Jainism

  1. The Soul is Eternal
    • Every soul (jiva) is eternal and goes through countless births and deaths.
    • The goal of life is to break free from this cycle and attain moksha (liberation).
  2. Karma Determines Rebirth
    • The type of karma a soul accumulates in one life determines its next birth.
    • A soul can be reborn as a human, animal, plant, heavenly being, or hellish being based on its past actions.
  3. Types of Rebirth
    • Heavenly Beings (Devas) – If good karma is accumulated, the soul may be reborn in celestial realms, but this is temporary.
    • Human Birth – Considered the best because only humans can attain moksha.
    • Animals & Plants – Souls with excessive negative karma may be reborn as animals or plants.
    • Hellish Beings – Severe negative karma leads to rebirth in hellish realms with immense suffering.
  4. Breaking the Cycle (Moksha)
    • Moksha is achieved by purifying the soul and removing all karma.
    • Once liberated, the soul becomes a Siddha—it no longer reincarnates and exists in eternal bliss in Siddhashila.

Despite their differences, Jainism and Hinduism share several similarities due to their common Indian cultural and philosophical roots.

  • Both emphasize karma, rebirth, and moksha, though with different interpretations.
  • Ahimsa (non-violence) is a shared core value, but Jains practice it more strictly.
  • Meditation, fasting, and pilgrimages are important in both religions.
  • Cultural overlap exists in art, symbols, and some rituals, but the philosophical foundations differ.

Here are the key similarities:

Aspect

Jainism

Hinduism

Belief in Karma & Rebirth

Yes, karma binds the soul and determines rebirth. Liberation (moksha) is freedom from rebirth.

Yes, karma influences future births, and moksha is the final goal.

Moksha (Liberation)

Ultimate goal is to attain moksha and become a Siddha (pure soul, free from karma).

Moksha is merging with Brahman or attaining freedom from the cycle of rebirth.

Non-Violence (Ahimsa)

Ahimsa is the supreme principle—strict vegetarianism, avoiding harm to all beings.

Ahimsa is highly valued, though some Hindu sects allow meat consumption.

Meditation & Self-Discipline

Meditation (Dhyana) and renunciation are central for spiritual progress.

Meditation (Dhyana) and renunciation are also practiced, especially in Yoga and ascetic traditions.

Belief in Eternal Universe

The universe is eternal, going through cycles of creation and destruction.

Some Hindu schools believe in an eternal cosmic cycle (e.g., in Shaivism & Samkhya philosophy).

Vegetarianism

Most Jains follow strict vegetarianism or veganism to avoid violence.

Many Hindus, especially Vaishnavites, practice vegetarianism.

Idol Worship

Worship of Tirthankaras as spiritual guides, not gods who grant wishes.

Idol worship of deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi in temples.

Fasting & Festivals

Fasting (e.g., Paryushan, Mahavir Jayanti) for spiritual purification.

Fasting (e.g., Ekadashi, Navratri) is common in Hindu traditions.

Sacred Symbols

Swastika, Om, and lotus are important religious symbols.

Swastika, Om, and lotus are also sacred in Hinduism.

Pilgrimages

Jain temples and pilgrimage sites (e.g., Shikharji, Palitana, Ranakpur).

Hindu temples and sacred sites (e.g., Varanasi, Rameswaram, Kedarnath).

  • Jainism is a purely spiritual and ethical path focused on self-liberation without reliance on a supreme God.
  • Hinduism is a theistic and diverse tradition with multiple paths to salvation, including devotion, knowledge, and rituals.

Here are the key differences between the two:

Aspect

Jainism

Hinduism

Concept of God

No creator God; the universe is eternal. Worships liberated souls (Siddhas) and Tirthankaras.

Believes in a Supreme God (Brahman) and various deities (Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, etc.).

Creation of the Universe

Universe is eternal, operates by natural laws (karma, time, space).

Created and controlled by God (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).

Karma & Rebirth

Karma is a physical substance that binds to the soul. Liberation (Moksha) is achieved by removing karma completely.

Karma is a law of action and reaction. Moksha is merging with Brahman or reaching divine realms.

Path to Liberation

Strict self-discipline, non-violence, asceticism, and non-attachment.

Various paths: Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (knowledge), Karma (action), and Raja Yoga (meditation).

Rituals & Worship

No belief in prayers for favors. Meditate on enlightened beings as role models. Simple rituals.

Includes idol worship, Vedic rituals, sacrifices, temple pujas, and prayers to gods for blessings.

   

Jainism is often seen as scientific and logical because its principles align with rational thinking, empirical observations, and scientific concepts like non-violence, karma, relativity, and environmental awareness.

Jainism is considered scientific and logical because it:

  • Aligns with physics, cosmology, and environmental science.
  • Encourages rational inquiry and logical analysis.
  • Follows natural laws instead of relying on blind faith.
  • Promotes sustainable, non-violent, and healthy living.
Details
  1. Jain Concept of Matter & Energy (Aligned with Science)
  • Jainism states that everything in the universe, including the soul, is eternal and indestructible.
  • The Jain concept of Pudgala (matter) and Jiva (soul) aligns with the modern law of conservation of energy—energy/matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

✅ Scientific Connection: Jain cosmology says the universe was never created nor destroyed, similar to the Big Bang Theory, which suggests continuous cosmic cycles.

  1. Theory of Relativity (Syadvada & Anekantavada)
  • Jainism teaches Anekantavada (many-sided reality), stating that truth is relative and can be viewed from different perspectives.
  • Syadvada (Theory of Maybe) explains that nothing is absolute and every statement depends on context.

✅ Scientific Connection: This is similar to Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, which shows that time and space are not absolute but depend on the observer.

  1. Karma as a Scientific Process (Cause & Effect Law)
  • Jainism describes karma as a subtle physical substance that attaches to the soul based on thoughts, words, and actions.
  • This is not just a mystical idea but a cause-and-effect process, where one’s actions shape their future conditions.

✅ Scientific Connection: This resembles Newton’s Third Law (Every action has an equal and opposite reaction) and the concept of genetic inheritance and environmental influence on human behavior.

  1. Non-Violence & Environmental Awareness (Sustainability Concept)
  • Jainism promotes Ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings, avoiding harm to animals, insects, and even microorganisms.
  • Jains practice vegetarianism/veganism, minimalism, and sustainability, reducing harm to nature.

✅ Scientific Connection: Jain values align with modern environmental science, which emphasizes eco-friendly living, plant-based diets, and reducing carbon footprints.

  1. Jain Cosmology (Eternal Universe without Creator God)
  • Jainism states that the universe is eternal, self-sustaining, and governed by natural laws, not controlled by a creator god.
  • It describes multiple dimensions, infinite time cycles, and different realms of existence, much like modern theories of multiverses and cosmic evolution.

✅ Scientific Connection: This aligns with astrophysical theories that space, time, and matter exist in an infinite cosmic cycle rather than a one-time creation event.

  1. Fasting & Health Benefits (Intermittent Fasting & Detoxification)
  • Jains practice fasting (Upvas, Santhara) for spiritual purification, which also promotes bodily detoxification and longevity.
  • Modern studies show that intermittent fasting improves metabolism, cell repair, and brain function.

✅ Scientific Connection: Jain fasting aligns with scientific research on fasting, which shows benefits in reducing inflammation, improving immunity, and increasing lifespan.

  1. Microorganisms & Non-Violence (Microbiology Link)
  • Jain scriptures mention tiny invisible life forms (Nigodas) thousands of years ago, long before the invention of the microscope.
  • Jains avoid fermented foods, eating at night, and unnecessary water use to prevent killing unseen microbes.

✅ Scientific Connection: This correlates with modern microbiology, which proves the existence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

  1. Logic & Rational Thinking (Jain Philosophy Encourages Inquiry)
  • Jainism does not promote blind faith but emphasizes rational thought, questioning, and self-experimentation.
  • Jain texts encourage self-analysis, meditation, and experience-based learning, similar to the scientific method.

✅ Scientific Connection: This matches empirical research methods, where truth is tested, questioned, and refined through experience and observation.

The Jain time cycle (Kalachakra) is an infinite, cyclical concept of time in Jainism. It is divided into two halves:

  1. Utsarpini (Ascending half) – A period of gradual improvement, where human virtues, lifespan, and prosperity increase.
  2. Avasarpini (Descending half) – A period of gradual decline, where human virtues, lifespan, and prosperity decrease.

 

Each of these halves is further divided into six aras (epochs), making a total of twelve aras in one complete cycle. The six aras in each half are:

  1. Sukhama Sukhama: Extreme happiness and no sorrow.
  2. Sukhama: Happiness with minimal sorrow.
  3. Sukhama Dukhama: More happiness than sorrow.
  4. Dukhama Sukhama: More sorrow than happiness.
  5. Dukhama: Predominantly sorrow with minimal happiness.
  6. Dukhama Dukhama: Extreme sorrow and no happiness.

 

Currently, according to Jain beliefs, we are in the fifth ara of the Avasarpini phase, which is characterized by increasing sorrow and decreasing happiness.

Instead of conflicting, Jainism’s eternal cyclic model and science’s evolving Big Bang model could be seen as different scales of understanding the universe. Science focuses on the current phase of expansion, while Jainism sees this as one event in an infinite timeline.

Big Bang Theory

Reconciling the Big Bang Theory with the Jain concept of time requires understanding both perspectives:

  • The Big Bang Theory suggests that the universe had a singular beginning, expanding from an extremely hot and dense state about 13.8 billion years ago and continuing to evolve.
  • The Jain concept of time (Kalachakra), however, is cyclical and eternal, meaning the universe has no beginning or end but goes through infinite cycles of rise and decline.
Possible Reconciliations
  1. Cyclic Cosmology in Modern Science
    • Some modern scientific models, like the Oscillating Universe or Cyclic Universe Theory, propose that the universe undergoes repeated Big Bangs and Big Crunches.
    • This aligns with Jainism’s idea that time is an endless series of cycles rather than a linear progression.
  2. Multiple Universes (Lok) in Jainism
    • Jain cosmology describes an eternal Lok (universe) that is neither created nor destroyed, only undergoing transformations.
    • The Big Bang could be seen as a phase within an infinite cosmic cycle, rather than the absolute beginning.
  3. Science Focuses on the Physical Universe, Jainism on the Eternal
    • Science studies the observable universe, while Jainism considers a broader metaphysical reality.
    • Jain texts describe an eternal universe with matter and souls that are neither created nor destroyed—similar to the law of conservation of energy in physics.
  4. Relative Perspectives on Time
    • Jain time cycles are immensely vast, making a 13.8 billion-year-old universe seem like just a small segment within a larger framework.
    • Einstein’s relativity suggests time is not absolute but depends on perspective, somewhat resonating with Jainism’s concept of Anadi (beginningless) time.

 

Jainism is divided into two sects: Digambar and Shwetämbar.

Digambara (“Sky-Clad”)
  • Monks do not wear clothes, symbolizing complete renunciation.
  • Believe women cannot attain Moksha in their current birth; they must first be reborn as men.
  • Lord Mahavira is depicted without clothes in their idols.
  • Follow strict ascetic practices, including no begging for food (monks accept food placed directly in their hands).
  • Sacred texts include Shatkhandagama and Kasayapahuda.
Shwetambara (“White-Clad”)
  • Monks wear white clothes and use a muhapatti (cloth over the mouth) to prevent harm to microorganisms.
  • Believe women can attain Moksha in their current birth.
  • Lord Mahavira is depicted wearing clothes in their idols.
  • Monks and nuns carry bowls for collecting food.
  • Sacred texts include Agamas, which they believe are the authentic teachings of Mahavira.
Bisapantha
  • Worship Tirthankaras and also Hindu gods like Lakshmi and Saraswati.
  • Use rituals, flowers, lamps, and idols in temples.
  • Accept temple priests for rituals.
Terapanthi Digambara
  • Reject the use of flowers, lamps, and external rituals in worship.
  • Emphasize spiritual purity and meditation over temple rituals.
  • Do not believe in priests; monks and scholars guide religious practices.
Taranapanthi (Samaiyapanthi)
  • Do not worship idols; instead, they focus on scriptures and meditation.
  • Follow teachings of Tarana Swami (15th century).
  • Reject temple-based rituals.
Gumanapanthi
  • A reformist sect that emphasizes scriptural purity and rejects idol worship.
  • Believe in rational interpretations of Jain philosophy.
Murtipujaka (“Idol-Worshippers”)
  • Worship idols of Tirthankaras in temples.
  • Follow temple rituals, including offering flowers, incense, and lamps.
  • Monks and nuns live in monasteries.
Sthanakvasi (“Hall Dwellers”)
  • Reject idol worship; focus on meditation and scriptures.
  • Do not believe in temples; they pray in simple community halls (Sthanaks).
  • Originated in the 15th century, founded by Lonka Shah.
Terapanthi Shwetambara
  • A reformist sect founded by Acharya Bhikshu (18th century).
  • Reject idol worship and emphasize strict discipline for monks and nuns.
  • Led by a single Acharya (spiritual leader) who controls the entire sect.

Jainism follows the fundamental principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) in every aspect of life. However, the question of self-defense presents a moral dilemma. While Jainism strictly discourages violence, it also recognizes practical realities.

Jainism discourages all forms of violence, but in extreme cases of self-defense, a layperson may act to protect themselves, provided they do so without anger or excessive harm. The best path, however, is always to avoid violence whenever possible.

Here’s how Jain philosophy addresses the issue of killing in self-defense:

Absolute Ahimsa (Ideal Jain Principle)
  • The highest Jain ideal is absolute non-violence, meaning no harm to any living being, even in self-defense.
  • Jain monks and nuns take Mahavrata (great vows) and will never harm another being, even if attacked.
  • Some extreme Jain views suggest that it is better to accept death than to commit violence, as violence accumulates negative karma.
Householder’s Perspective (Practical Jain View)
  • Lay Jains (Shravakas and Shravikas) are not bound by the same strict vows as monks.
  • The Anuvrata (lesser vows) allow minimal necessary violence in extreme cases, such as self-defense.
  • Jain scriptures recognize that self-preservation is natural, but violence should always be the last resort.
Intent Matters in Jainism

Jainism believes that karma is tied to intention:

  • If violence is committed with hatred or aggression → Heavy negative karma.
  • If violence is committed as a last resort, with regret and no ill-will → Lesser negative karma.
  • Example: If a Jain is attacked and instinctively defends themselves without hatred, the karmic impact is lesser than if they fight with anger.
Jainism and War/Soldiers
  • Jain kings in history, like King Kharavela, have engaged in wars but followed a Dharma Yuddha (righteous war), avoiding unnecessary violence.
  • Some sects allow Jains to serve in the army or police but only in defensive roles, avoiding harm whenever possible.
  • Ideally, a Jain should use diplomacy, escape, or non-violent resistance before resorting to self-defense.
Alternative to Violence

Instead of direct harm, Jains prefer:

  • Avoidance – Fleeing or escaping conflict.
  • Non-violent resistance – Using dialogue, forgiveness, and compassion.
  • Protective measures – Using non-lethal force, shields, or techniques that minimize harm.

 

Jainism is rooted in Ahimsa (non-violence), which applies to all living beings, including animals. However, Jain philosophy recognizes that the natural world operates on its own laws of survival. Jainism does not condemn carnivorous animals because they act by instinct, but their actions still result in karma and continued rebirths. Humans, having free will, should always choose non-violence and avoid harming any life, even indirectly.

Here’s how Jainism views animals that survive by eating other animals:

Animals Act According to Their Nature (Swabhava)
  • Jain texts acknowledge that different beings have different instincts and natural behaviors.
  • Carnivorous animals are bound by their instincts and karma and do not have the same level of choice or ethical responsibility as humans.
Animals Are Not Morally Accountable
  • Only humans have the power of reason and free will, allowing them to choose non-violence.
  • Animals, including predators, act based on their inherent nature and past karma, so they are not responsible for their actions in the same way humans are.
Consequences of Violence for Carnivores
  • Violent actions still generate karma, even if done instinctively.
  • Carnivorous animals accumulate negative karma, leading them to lower rebirths or further cycles of suffering.
  • However, their actions are not intentional in the same way as human choices.
Humans Should Not Support Animal Killing
  • While nature allows carnivorous animals to survive on other animals, humans are not meant to imitate them.
  • Jainism teaches that humans have the ability to make ethical choices, and should avoid supporting industries that exploit or harm animals.
Rebirth and Spiritual Evolution
  • All living beings, including carnivores, have souls and will eventually evolve through multiple rebirths.
  • With time, their karmic journey may lead them to higher forms, including human life, where they can consciously follow Ahimsa.