Vihimsa, Vihiṃsā: 8 definitions
Introduction:
Vihimsa means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, 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
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraVihiṃsā (विहिंसा) refers to “harm”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 3.—Accordingly, “The four immeasurable feelings (apramāṇa-citta) are loving-kindness (maitrī), compassion (karuṇā), joy (muditā) and equanimity (upekṣā). [...] Maitrī is practiced to remove hostility (vyāpāda) toward beings. Karuṇā is practiced to remove harm (vihiṃsā) toward beings. Muditā is practiced to remove dissatisfaction (arati) toward beings. Upekṣā is practiced to remove sensual attachment (kāmarāga) and hostility (vyāpāda) toward others. [...]”.
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Dharma-samgrahaVihiṃsā (विहिंसा, “violence”) refers to one of the fourty “conditions” (saṃskāra) that are “associated with mind” (citta-samprayukta) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 30). The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (e.g., vihiṃsā). The work is attributed to Nagarjuna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.
Vihiṃsā also refers to one of the “twenty-four minor defilements” (upakleśa) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 69).
India history and geography
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical GlossaryVihiṃsā.—(CII 1), hurting, injuring. Note: vihiṃsā is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionaryvihiṃsā : (f.) cruelty; injury; injuring.
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 DictionaryVihiṃsā (विहिंसा):—[=vi-hiṃsā] [from vi-hiṃs] f. ([Mahābhārata; Rāmāyaṇa]) idem (with [genitive case] or ifc.)
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)Vihiṃsa (विहिंस) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Vihiṃsa, Vihiṃsā.
[Sanskrit to German]
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) Vihiṃsa (विहिंस) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Vihiṃs.
2) Vihiṃsa (विहिंस) also relates to the Sanskrit word: Vihiṃsa.
3) Vihiṃsā (विहिंसा) also relates to the Sanskrit word: Vihiṃsā.
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: Vihimsaga, Vihimsaka, Vihimsana, Vihimsanta, Vihimsata, Vihimsati, Vihimsavitakka.
Ends with: Avihimsa.
Full-text: Avihimsa, Vihims, Vihimsata, Akusala Vitakka, Nihsaraniya, Vihethana, Vihesa, Vitakka, Karuna, Kamavitakka, Vihetha, Dhatu Sutta, Upaklesha, Durikrita, Kamadhatu, Parilaha, Sankappa, Samskara, Chanda, Sanna.
Relevant text
Search found 8 books and stories containing Vihimsa, Vihiṃsā, Vi-himsa, Vi-hiṃsā, Vihiṃsa; (plurals include: Vihimsas, Vihiṃsās, himsas, hiṃsās, Vihiṃsas). 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)
I. Definition of the immeasurables (apramāṇa) < [Class 3: The four immeasurables]
The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Chapter 32a - The Buddha’s Thirteenth Vassa on Cālika Hill < [Volume 4]
Part 8 - The Eight Qualities of the Bodhisatta’s Mind Continuum < [Chapter 7 - The Attainment of Buddhahood]
Part 2 - Māra’s Visit to deter the Bodhisatta by feigning Goodwill < [Chapter 6 - The Practice of Severe Austerities]
Abhidharmakośa (by Leo M. Pruden)
Cetasikas (by Nina van Gorkom)
Chapter 8 - Applied Thinking And Sustained Thinking < [Part II - The Particulars (pakinnaka)]
Part II - The Suttanta Pairs Of Terms < [Book III - The Division Entitled 'elimination']