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Ahimsa One of the most important teachings of Jainism is the instruction to not do any harm to other living beings. This instruction, which is called ahimsa, prohibits the harming of even the tiniest insects. As a result, many Jain monks wear cloth masks to prevent the accidental inhalation of flying insects, and they carefully clear any ants or other insects from their path before taking a step forward. Many even refuse to eat honey, since removing it from a hive might cause some of the bees to starve to death.
Such a strict observance of ahimsa obviously isn't practical for the average person. But many ordinary Jains are able to observe a less-strict form in which they adhere to a vegetarian diet and oppose the killing of any animals. Many Hindus and Buddhists are also familiar with the concept of ahimsa, and this is one of the reasons for the widespread practice of vegetarianism in India.
Demonic Possession When a demon gets inside a human body and gains control over it, the resulting condition is called demonic possession. Because demons are spirits, they normally aren't visible, but they can produce visible effects. Thus, when a demon gains possession of someone's body, there are usually major changes in the person's behavior. For example, possession can cause fits and convulsions, disorientation, weird facial expressions, and sudden violent actions. The condition often resembles mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder. In some cases the demon gets control of the victim's vocal cords and uses them to talk to nearby people. Demons who talk in this way can usually be recognized by their foul language and strange tone of voice.
The traditional treatment for demonic possession is to try to force the demon to leave the victim's body. A successful expulsion is called an exorcism, and it is usually performed by people who have special knowledge and skills. Because a demon will often resist the attempt to
