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into five ethical laws: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, purity of body and mind, and control of the senses. These same moral laws are found in all the major religions, East and West. Let us first consider the ethical laws of non-violence (ahimsa) and truth (satya).
Complexity of Dharma Ethics
The Mahabharata (ch.11/13) says:
Non-violence(ahimsa) is the greatest of all laws (dharmas).
This principle of non-violence is the essential dharma (virtue) for religions based on the Vedas, but as well, it is also considered of prime importance in other religions. For example, Buddhism (Dhammapada, 17:3) and Christianity (Bible, Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:5, 5:7; 5:21; 5:38-39) also require their adherents to practice non-violence. Taking life, however, is not the only kind of violence that is prohibited. The principle of non-violence also includes not hurting some one's mind or body. Within the Indian traditions, it also entails not doing harm to any living being, including animals. All people in this world agree that nonviolence is the greatest dharma principle to be followed.
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