1. “Ahimsa” or Nonviolence
Social Studies for 8th E.G.B. | Teacher: Mauricio Torres

2. Groups react to Hinduism
 Although Hinduism was widely followed in India, not
everyone agreed with its beliefs.
 They searched for different religious beliefs and group such
as the Jains emerged, who believed in Jainism.

3. Jainism
 It is based on the teachings of a man named
Mahavira, who is believed to have been born
around the 600s.
 He was born and raised a Hindu, but as he
grew up, he thought Hinduism emphasized too
much on rituals.
 Instead of rituals he would emphasize on:
 Injure no life.
 Tell the truth.
 Do not steal.
 Own no property.

4. Nonviolence
 In their efforts to injure no one or anything,
the Jains practice nonviolence
 It is the avoidance of violent actions.
 In sanskrit, this is called ahimsa.
 It is even practiced by Hindus.
 They believe that everything is alive and is
part of the rebirth cycle.
 They are very serious not injuring or killing no
living creature.
 Therefore they are vegetarians.

5. Historical examples of nonviolence
 When India wanted to become
independent from the British Empire, Gandhi
embraced Ahimsa.
 By using the power of love, he believed
people could convert, even the worst
wrongdoer to the right course of action.
 Jesus is also known to preach nonviolence,
and even as far as preaching to love your
enemies!
 Love your enemies, do good to those who
hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for
those who mistreat you. (Matt. 5:43-48, Luke
6:27-28)

6. Historical examples of nonviolence
 Martin Luther King Jr. described
nonviolent resistance as:
 “passive physically, but strongly active
spiritually; it is nonaggressive physically but
dynamically aggressive spiritually”.
 What do you think he meant by this?

7. Linking to Today
 Open your books on page 134.
 Take a look at the section called Linking to today, where
it talks about nonviolence.
 Read it, discuss it in class, and use it as a source of
information for your homework.

8. Ask Yourself
 Identify
 On whose teachings was Jainism based?
 Name some important historical figures that practiced and
preached Ahimsa, even if they never heard of it?
 Contrast
 How did Jainism differ from Hinduism?
 Do you think Christianity preaches similar ideals as Jainism?
Why or why not?
 Recall
 What are the four main teachings of Jainism?