Avihimsa, Avihimsā, Avihiṃsā, Avihiṃsa: 6 definitions
Introduction:
Avihimsa means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines(equivalents: ahimsā, avihesā): 'harmlessness', nonviolence, absence of cruelty.
The 'thought of harmlessness' (or: 'non-cruelty'; avihimsā-vitakka) is one of the three constituents of right thought (sammā-sankappa), i.e. the 2nd factor of the Eightfold Path (s. magga).
In the several lists of 'elements' (dhātu) appears also an 'element of harmlessness' (avihesā-dhātu), in the sense of an elementary quality of noble thought.
See Dhp. 225, 261, 270, 300.
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionaryavihiṃsā : (f.) humanity; absence of cruelty.
Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English DictionaryAvihiṃsa, (Avihesa) (f.) (a + vihiṃsā) absence of cruelty, mercy, humanity, friendliness, love D. III, 213, 215, 240 (avihesā); Sn. 292 (= sakaruṇabhāva SnA 318); It. 82 (°vitakka). (Page 85)
Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English DictionaryAvihiṃsā (अविहिंसा):—[=a-vihiṃsā] [from a-vihiṃsaka] f. idem, [Mahābhārata xii, 9421.]
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)Avihiṃsa (अविहिंस) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Avihiṃsa, Avihiṃsā.
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary1) Avihiṃsa (अविहिंस) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Avihiṃsa.
2) Avihiṃsā (अविहिंसा) also relates to the Sanskrit word: Avihiṃsā.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Avihimsa Sutta, Avihimsaka, Avihimsana.
Full-text: Ahimsa, Harmlessness, Non-violence, Kusalavitakka, Kusala Vitakka, Vitakka, Kamadhatu, Khanti, Rajadhamma, Kodha, Karuna, Dhatu.
Relevant text
Search found 13 books and stories containing Avihimsa, Avihimsā, Avihiṃsā, Avihiṃsa, A-vihimsa, A-vihiṃsā; (plurals include: Avihimsas, Avihimsās, Avihiṃsās, Avihiṃsas, vihimsas, vihiṃsās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa) (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
Factor 8 - Vitakka (thought, thinking, initial application of the mind on the object) < [Chapter 4 - Cetasikas Associated With Both Good And Bad Cittas (mind)]
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Part 1 - Eliminating the three poisons < [Chapter LII - Elimination of the Triple Poison]
II. Endowing the kṣetra with a special wisdom < [Part 1 - Eliminating the three poisons]
Act 5.9: All beings obtained the mind of equanimity < [Chapter XIV - Emission of rays]
Philosophy of language in the Five Nikayas (by K.T.S. Sarao)
12.5. The Methods to Incline Mind < [Chapter 4 - Philosophy of Language in the Five Nikāyas]
The Buddha and His Teachings (by Narada Thera)
A Manual of Abhidhamma (by Nārada Thera)
Factors of Enlightenment < [Chapter VII - Abhidhamma Categories]
Socially Engaged Buddhism (with reference to Australian society) (by Phuong Thi Thu Ngo)
A (9). Compassionate Activities < [Chapter 5]
Socially Engaged Buddhism during the Time of the Buddha < [Chapter 1]