Word glossary

Terms and definitions

Every technical term used in this portal, with a short gloss, a longer note, and the chapters where it matters.

2 terms

Ahiṃsāअहिंसा
Non-injury — the first and root vow.
Its opposite, hiṃsā, is defined at 7.8 as severing life-forces through careless activity. Carelessness, not outcome alone, is decisive.
Chapter 7
Hiṃsāहिंसा
Injury — depriving of life-forces through careless activity.
Two conditions: negligence or passion in the actor, and harm to prāṇas. Passionate intention binds karma even when no external harm results.
Chapter 7