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An act of himsa by a jiva can be divided into two categories; the act is either a natural habit, or instinct, such as a carnivorous animal (predators) killing other jiva for food, or a choice, in which the chooser and doer of himsa is generally a human being. In this samsara, human beings cause the greatest himsa because they choose to cause himsa. They are not required or forced to commit himsa through either habit or natural predisposition. The reason human beings cause himsa for food is that they choose to kill other jivas. Humans also have choice to refrain from killing and thus to live a healthy life by consuming only plant-based foods. Generally, only humans hoard, enslave others, engage in wars, destroy the environment, kill and rape for pleasure, commit assaults, terrorize others, or participate in trafficking of other beings. No other species does such things and thus cause such massive amounts of himsa, all by choice.
HIMSA COMMITTED BY A HUMAN AGENT
ACTION
HUMAN
NON
HUMAN HARMED:
HARMED?
To enslave
Yes
Yes
Torture
Yes
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Human trafficking Vivisection in medical and other scientific training Labor Prostitution and sexual assault Capital punishment Legal penalties; prisons Agriculture Discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, or other factors Religious and cultural customs and celebrations
Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Genocide
Yes
Yes
An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
