Pronunciation: [hˈɪmsə] (IPA) 
Himsa is a Sanskrit term used to describe violence or harm caused to any living being. In IPA phonetic transcription, himsa is spelled as /hɪmsə/. The word is pronounced with a short "i" sound at the beginning, followed by a soft "m" and a long "s" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound. Himsa is a fundamental concept in the Indian philosophy of ahimsa, which promotes non-violence towards all life forms.
Himsa is a term rooted in Hindu philosophy and ethics, primarily associated with the concept of non-violence. Derived from the Sanskrit word "hiṃsā," which means 'to cause pain' or 'to harm,' himsa refers to any act that inflicts injury or causes harm to oneself, others, or any living beings. It encompasses both physical and emotional harm, and extends to actions motivated by anger, aggression, or ill-intentions.
In Hinduism, the principle of himsa is deeply ingrained in the concept of ahimsa, which means 'non-violence' or 'non-harm.' Ahimsa is considered one of the fundamental virtues and is central to the moral and ethical teachings of Hinduism. Its practice entails refraining from causing harm, practicing compassion, and promoting harmonious coexistence with all living beings.
Himsa can manifest in various forms, ranging from overt physical violence to subtle acts of emotional abuse or hurtful speech. It is seen as contrary to the natural state of harmony and balance, and thus, one must strive to overcome himsa by cultivating love, empathy, and respect for all living beings.
Himsa is often contrasted with ahimsa, emphasizing the importance of consciously choosing actions that promote peace, compassion, and non-violence. The practice of ahimsa is not limited to Hinduism, as it has gained recognition and adoption by various other philosophical and spiritual systems around the world.
The word "himsa" is derived from the Sanskrit term "hiṃsā" (हिंसा), which means "violence", "harm", or "injury". It is derived from the root word "hiṃs" which means "to strike" or "to injure". "Himsa" is an important concept in various Indian philosophies, particularly in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, where it represents the moral principle of non-violence.
