Ahimsa 6W1H Principles
Ahimsa, the Sanskrit word for “non-violence”, is the cornerstone of many Eastern religions including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In these traditions, Ahimsa is an ethic of nonviolence toward all living creatures and their environment. Ahimsa is founded upon the deep understanding that all life is interconnected, so any harm caused to one species would ultimately affect all other species. The Ahimsa 6W1H principles are based on this premise and emphasize conscious action that seeks to benefit other living things while minimizing harm or destruction.
Ahimsa 6W1H is an acronym that stands for: Worship, Withdraw, Winnow, Work, Wait, Welcome and Harmonize. Each of these components constitutes a key part of the ahimsa philosophy that is necessary to living a harmonious and non-violent life.
· Worship. The first principle of Ahimsa is to worship life. Worshiping life acknowledges the interconnectedness of all beings and all things – from the smallest molecule to the largest star. When we recognize the beauty and life in others and the world around us, we find ways to honor and care for it as if it were our own. We can do this through prayer, meditation and other spiritual practices like yoga.
· Withdraw. Ahimsa also recognizes the need for self-control and personal responsibility towards living a life free from violence and aggression. As such, we must be mindful of our words, actions, emotions and thoughts and make a conscious effort to withdraw and refrain from imposing any harm upon ourselves or others.
· Winnow. The third principle is to winnow out our behavior. This involves analyzing our behavior and allowing only those thoughts, words and actions that are harmonious and in keeping with the ahimsa philosophy. Anything that does not adhere to this ethic should be eliminated from our lives.
· Work. The fourth principle is to work for the well-being of all living creatures, both on a material and spiritual level. This could include taking proactive steps to create a peaceful environment, such as planting trees or starting compost bins. Additionally, it includes striving to provide the basic necessities of life to all creatures, regardless of species.
· Wait. Ahimsa also teaches us to be patient and to accept the timing of things, as it is necessary that we allow natural cycles to unfold in the course of life. This requires learning to wait without worry or fear and trusting in a divine plan.
· Welcome. Welcome the idea that everyone can make contributions to the betterment of life and actively seek out activities or organizations that will allow us to do that.
· Harmonize. Ahimsa is ultimately about creating harmony. All creatures – humans, animals, plants, and all living things – should strive to live in balance, treating one another with respect and compassion.
The Ahimsa 6W1H principles are a call to embrace the interconnectedness of life and to be mindful of our choices and actions. They serve as a reminder to practice nonviolence, create a peaceful environment, and strive for justice and equity for all living creatures. By implementing these principles into our daily lives, we can foster greater harmony, peace and understanding in our world.
