Ahimsa is one of the cardinal virtues and an important tenet of 3 major religions (Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism). Ahimsa is a multidimensional concept, inspired by the premise that all living beings have the spark of the divine spiritual energy; therefore, to hurt another being is to hurt oneself. Ahimsa has also been related to the notion that any violence has karmic consequences.

"Ahimsa is the highest virtue,
Ahimsa is the highest self-control,
Ahimsa is the greatest gift,
Ahimsa is the best suffering,
Ahimsa is the highest sacrifice,
Ahimsa is the finest strength,
Ahimsa is the greatest friend,
Ahimsa is the greatest happiness,
Ahimsa is the highest truth, and
Ahimsa is the greatest teaching."

~ Mahaprasthanika Parva