12. Ahimsa

Question 1

What does Ahimsa mean?

Answer 1

1. non-violence
2. being a well-wisher of all beings

Question 2

What does Ahimsa parama dharma mean?

Answer 2

Ahimsa is our first duty and the greatest virtue

Question 3

What are rights of the Embryo according to Ahimsa?

Answer 3

1. rgveda says that God is the protector of the unborn (Pariksit maharaj)
2. life begins at conception
3. prahlada in his mothers womb
4. Srila Prabhupada agrees

Question 4

What are the reasons to allow abortion according to ahimsa?

Answer 4

1. vedas say that abortion is justified under the risk of the mothers life
2. Garbha upanishad says life begins at 7 months
3. in the case of sexual abuse, abortion is ok

Question 5

What are the animal rights according to ahimsa?

Answer 5

1. purusa sukta
2. 10 incarnations of lord vishnu
3. atmans present in all beings
4. karma
5. Gandhi says cow protection is the first step which makes humans beyond their species

Question 6

What are the justifications of animal cruelty?

Answer 6

1. circle of life
2. animal experimentation to save human life
3. ritualised sacrifice is better than uncontrolled slaughter

Question 7

What are some Hindu views on prohibiting war?

Answer 7

1. ahimsa
2. modern warfare is destroying the body of God
3. Gandhi

Question 8

What are some Hindu views on allowing war?

Answer 8

1. Arjuna
2. yada yada hidharmasya
3. Ydhistira says war as a last resort
4. Gandhi said violence against Hitler would be a lesser evil