Ahimsa Paramo Dharma : Peace & Non-violence is the superior virtue

First, let’s get the meaning of these words rightly. Ahimsa/non-violence is abstinence from inflicting physical and mental violence on others. Dharma means righteousness. Dharma always fall under the unity of time and place, and therefore, is very subtle. A particular act considered as Dharma in one situation cannot be considered as Dharma in a different situation. Eg: Amputations or removal of a certain organ to save a patient’s life is Dharma. Deliberate surgical procedure for personal gains is ‘Adharma’.

“Ahimsa paramo Dharmaha” means Non-Violence is a superior virtue.

“Dhaaranaat Dharma ityaahuhu Dharmo dhaarayate prajaaha

Yat syaat dhaarana samyuktam sa dharma iti nishchayaha.”[Karna in Mahabharat]

“Upholding/protecting is called righteousness. Righteousness protects/upholds people. Therefore the potency to protect, uphold is righteousness/Dharma.” Dharma which protects the entire universe is symbolically represented in the form of cow. Its four legs are Satya, Daya, Shanti and Ahimsa; in other words, Truth, Compassion, Peace and Non-violence.

Satya: It comprises uttering no untruth, keeping promises, using agreeable words while speaking, services to the preceptor, observing vows, piety, keeping company of holy men, good and gracious acts to parents, maintaining internal and external purity, shyness and non-accumulation of wealth. Daya/Compassion: It includes benevolence, charity, using amiable words, politeness, modesty and balance of temper.

Shanti/Tranquillity: It has these aspects. Absence of caviling spirit, contentment, Sense-control, detachment, taciturnity,devotion, fearlessness, gravity, equanimity of mind, absence of impassivity, freedom from cravings of all sorts, resolute will to abstain from prohibitory actions, keeping a balanced mind in honour and ignominy, praising others, virtues, non-thieving, continence, fortitude, forbearance, hospitality, chanting mystic formula[OM],offering oblation to sacrificial fire, visiting sacred places, serving noble souls, freedom from jealousy, knowledge of bondage and freedom, a spirit of renunciation, endurance in facing great calamities, absence of stinginess, absence of dull-wit.

Ahimsa or Non-violence: “Ahimsa tu aasana jayaha parapeedaa vivarjanam, Shraddha cha atiti seva, cha shaanta roopa pradarshanam. Aatmeeyataa cha sarvatra Aatmabuddhi paraatmasu.” It means Non-Violence comprises, control over one’s posture[squatting posture], abstaining from infliction of pain on others through mind, speech, or body; piety, hospitality, wearing a serene look, regarding all as one’s own and a feeling of oneness with others.”

A person can be called Dharmista or a righteous person when he adheres to all the limbs of Dharma.

This can be best explained by a folktale prevalent in Karnataka.

There was once a cowherd by name Kalinga. He had a herd of cows which voluntarily milked profusely to the melodious flute of cowherd. Amongst them, was Punyakoti, the cow which had an infant calf.

In the same area there lived a ferocious tiger by name ‘Arbuda’.

Once all the cows were returning after grazing sumptuously. Punyakoti was also hurrying back to feed its calf. It is then when the tiger roared ferociously and all the cows ran helter skelter. Punyakoti which was engrossed in the thought of its calf, was caught by the tiger, which unfortunately had no food for the past several days.

The timid cow implores the tiger to give time to feed its calf and to bid farewell. The tiger first rejects but relents to the request.

The cow feeds its infant, narrates the incident, and bids farewell despite the calf begs the mother not to go. Punyakoti replies. “Truth is my Father and Mother. Truth is my kith and kin. Lord does not love transgressing Truth.”

Punyakoti goes back to the cave of the tiger and surrenders itself. The tiger overwhelmed at the honesty of the cow, with eyes overflowing with tears, utters these words. “You are my fellow-sister. What shall I gain killing you?” Uttering thus, the tiger jumps to the abyss and kills itself.

Punyakoti in surrendering itself to the tiger upholds Truth and exhibits highest level of detachment to the material world.

Similarly, The hungry tiger exhibits supreme nobility in setting free its prey, calling the cow, as its fellow-sister, killing itself at the very thought of killing Punyakoti, the very embodiment of Truth and honesty. The tiger also exhibits highest level of detachment to the material world.

Both uphold Dharma and are perfect examples for personified form of Dharma itself.