In a world that seems to be increasingly dominated by conflict and strife, there are faiths that firmly champion the principle of non-violence. The question often arises: “Which religion is very strict on non-violence?” While it’s true that most religions advocate peace and harmony, some are more stringent in their denouncement of violence than others. They go beyond simply encouraging peace and instead, embed the principle of non-violence at their very core. This article aims to delve into the doctrines of various religions, exploring their scriptures, teachings, and practices to discover which one renounces violence the most emphatically. We will study the tenets of many religions, highlighting those that have made non-violence a central part of their faith. Please note that this article does not seek to rank or compare religions, but rather to understand and appreciate the ethos and teachings that promote peace and non-violence in our world.
What Does Violence Mean?
Before we dive into the different religions and their stance on non-violence, it is important to define what violence means. At its core, violence refers to any physical or verbal act of harm towards oneself or others. This can include physical aggression, emotional abuse, and even harmful thoughts and intentions.
Essentially, any action that violates the well-being and dignity of another being can be termed as violent. With this understanding, let us explore which religions have the strictest stance on non-violence and how they promote peace and harmony in their communities.
Which Religion Is Very Strict On Non Violence?
We’ll go through some religions that are very much strict against violence;
Jainism: The Religion of Non-Violence
Jainism is a religion that originated in ancient India and has become synonymous with non-violence or ahimsa. In fact, the term “Jain” comes from the Sanskrit word “jina,” which means conqueror of inner enemies like anger, ego, and violence. The religion revolves around the principle of ahimsa or non-violence towards all living beings.
The Jain scriptures, particularly the Agamas, highlight the importance of ahimsa in every aspect of life. Jains believe that every living being, no matter how small or insignificant, has a soul and should be treated with love and compassion. They follow strict dietary guidelines to avoid harming any living beings, even microorganisms.
Jains also practice ahimsa in their thoughts and actions, striving to lead a life of peace, non-violence, and detachment from material possessions. Thus, it is safe to say that Jainism is one of the most strict and uncompromising religions when it comes to non-violence.
Hinduism: The Path of Non-Violent Action
Hinduism, the oldest religion in the world, encompasses a diverse set of beliefs and practices. While there are some sects of Hinduism that advocate for violence under certain circumstances, the overall ethos of the religion promotes peace, non-violence, and compassion towards all living beings.
According to Hindu scriptures, violence is a result of ignorance and attachment to material desires. The path to enlightenment involves overcoming these negative emotions through knowledge and spiritual practices like yoga and meditation. The concept of ahimsa is also deeply ingrained in Hinduism, with many gods and goddesses revered for their non-violent actions and teachings.
Buddhism: The Religion of Peace and Compassion
Buddhism is another religion that is very strict when it comes to non-violence. The Buddha himself was a strong advocate of ahimsa, believing that all beings are interconnected and should be treated with love and compassion. Therefore, Buddhists abstain from causing harm to any living being, including animals and insects.
The Five Precepts of Buddhism include refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants. These principles are rooted in ahimsa and guide Buddhists to lead a peaceful life that is free from violence and suffering.
Sikhism: The Faith of Equality and Non-Violence
Sikhism, a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in Punjab, India, also has a strong emphasis on non-violence. Sikhs believe in one God and advocate for equality and social justice for all beings. According to Sikh teachings, violence and aggression are obstacles to spiritual growth and should be avoided at all costs.
The fifth guru of Sikhism, Guru Arjan Dev, was martyred for his beliefs in non-violence and equality. Today, Sikhs continue to uphold these values through their actions and teachings, making it a religion that strictly denounces violence.
Do All Religions Renounce Violence?
While the religions mentioned above have strict principles of non-violence, it is important to note that not all faiths reject violence completely. Some religious texts contain passages that justify or even encourage violent actions under certain circumstances.
However, it is essential to remember that religion alone does not determine one’s actions and beliefs. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to interpret and follow the teachings of their faith in a way that promotes peace and harmony.
Films That Depict Anti-Violence From A Religion Viewpoint
There are several films and documentaries that depict the principles of non-violence from a religious viewpoint. These include “Gandhi,” which showcases Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent struggle for Indian independence, “Samsara,” a documentary that explores the concept of suffering and compassion in Buddhism, and “The Last Dalai Lama?” which delves into the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, a prominent figure in promoting peace and non-violence, another film is “The Story of God,” hosted by Morgan Freeman, which explores the beliefs and practices of different religions around the world.
Gandhi
Gandhi is about a lawyer named Mohandas K. Gandhi who stood up against the British government using non-violent protest methods to gain Indian independence from Britain in 1947. The film explores how Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and peaceful resistance inspired millions around the world. The film can be streamed on Amazon – Prime Video.
Samsara
Samsara is a documentary that takes viewers on a journey through different cultures and religious traditions, exploring the concept of suffering and compassion in Buddhism. The film highlights how the principles of non-violence, selflessness, and mindfulness can lead to inner peace and harmony with the world around us. If you’re interested in seeing this amazing documentary, it can be streamed on Netflix.
The Last Dalai Lama?
The Last Dalai Lama? is a documentary that follows the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, as he shares his teachings of peace and non-violence with the world. The film explores how the Dalai Lama’s beliefs and practices have shaped his life, as well as their impact on others. To watch this inspiring documentary, you can stream it on YouTube.
The Story of God
The Story of God is a documentary series hosted by Morgan Freeman that explores the beliefs and practices of different religions from around the world. In the episode “Why Does Evil Exist?” Freeman examines how different faiths approach violence and suffering, highlighting the importance of non-violent actions and compassion towards others. This series can be streamed on Disney+.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many religions advocate for non-violence as a way to promote peace, compassion, and spiritual growth. While some may have stricter principles than others, it is ultimately up to individuals to embody these teachings and create a more peaceful world. Films and documentaries that depict these principles can serve as powerful reminders of the impact of non-violent actions and inspire us to live in harmony with one another. So, we should follow our faith to promote peace and non-violence in the world.