Arizona State University (ASU) REL100 Religions of the World Practice Exam

Non-violence, known as Ahimsa, is indeed the foundational principle of Jainism. This religious tradition places a paramount emphasis on the idea that all living beings possess a soul and thus deserve respect and care. Ahimsa involves the commitment to avoiding harm to any living creature in thought, word, or deed. This principle is so central to Jain philosophy that it governs the followers' lifestyle choices, dietary practices, and even their interactions with the environment.

In Jainism, practitioners often take extraordinary measures to avoid violence, which can include vegetarianism and the careful way in which they navigate through the world to avoid harming even the smallest organisms. The belief in non-violence extends not only to actions but also to words and thoughts, making it a comprehensive ethical guideline.

The other concepts, such as truthfulness, compassion, and service to others, are indeed important values in Jainism; however, they are framed within the context of Ahimsa. Non-violence acts as a lens through which these values are understood and practiced, emphasizing that true compassion, for instance, cannot be achieved without a commitment to non-violence. Thus, while all these principles contribute to the overarching ethical and spiritual framework of Jainism, non