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because it is basic in concept and universal in its moral principles.
Ahimsa, though a negative term, is full of positive meaning, from an act of simple kindness to a comprehensive outlook of universal fraternity.
A great Jain scholar of the 10th century, Acharya Hemachandra, said in the Yogashastra;
आत्मवत् सर्वभूतेषु सुखदुःखे प्रियाप्रिये । चिंतयन्नात्मनोऽनिष्टां हिंसामन्यस्य नाचरेत् ॥ Atmavat Sarwabhooteshu Sukha Dukhe Priyapriye! Chimtayannatmno-nistham Hinsamanysaya Nacharet !!
“In happiness or suffering, in joy or grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self. We should therefore, refrain from inflicting upon others such injury as would appear undesirable to us, if inflicted upon ourselves.”
Ahimsa, i.e. Nonviolence in Jainism is not only physical nonviolence but it is nonviolence also of speech and thought.
One can harm others by harsh speech or even by uncharitable thoughts and therefore this is also violence and has to be abjured.
