Ahimsa

Refers to the principle of respect for all life and the practice of non-injury to all living beings; it is found in Buddhism, some Hindu sects, and especially Jainism. Ahimsa is based on the belief that all living creatures are sacred and that violence has negative effects on those who commit it, for example, harming a living thing may result in an unfavorable reincarnation. The term comes from the Sanskrit meaning 'not-harming.'