How is the concept of "Ahimsa" significant in Hinduism and Jainism?

In both Hinduism and Jainism, "Ahimsa" is a foundational principle that advocates for non-violence towards all living beings. This concept is rooted deeply in the spiritual and ethical teachings of these religions. For adherents, practicing Ahimsa means refraining from causing harm, whether through action, words, or even thoughts, thus fostering a sense of compassion and respect for all life forms.

In Jainism, Ahimsa takes on an even more rigorous interpretation, where practitioners often adopt strict measures—such as vegetarianism or veganism—to minimize harm to living creatures. This strong commitment reflects the belief that all sentient beings possess a soul and thus deserve respect and protection.

In Hinduism, while Ahimsa is also prominent, it is often incorporated within a broader framework that includes various paths to spiritual realization, such as devotion, knowledge, and righteous action (dharma).

The other choices highlight significant aspects of Hindu and Jain beliefs but do not focus on the centrality of non-violence in the same way. The belief in a single, supreme God pertains to monotheistic interpretations prevalent in certain sects of Hinduism but does not align with the essence of Ahimsa. Although karma and reinc