What is the concept of ahimsa?

It is the Jainist belief of nonviolence. "A" negates "himsa", the Sanskrit world for violence. The concept behind ahimsa is the motive to stop reincarnation. By living a nonviolent lifestyle, Jains hope to escape the cycle and reach nirvana.

To follow ahimsa, Jains are vegan and avoid harming all forms of life. Some Jains will not travel, for fear of crushing insects while walking.