Ahimsa[edit]
The ethical prohibition on violence against all human beings and living creatures (Ahimsa, अहिंसा), in Hindu traditions, can be traced to the Atman theory.[44] This precept against injuring any living being appears together with Atman theory in hymn 8.15.1 of Chandogya Upanishad (ca. 8th century BCE),[50] then becomes central in the texts of Hindu philosophy, entering the dharma codes of ancient Dharmasutras and later era Manu-Smriti. Ahimsa theory is a natural corollary and consequence of "Atman is Universal Oneness, present in all living beings, Atman connects and prevades in everyone, hurting or injurying another being is hurting the Atman, and thus One Self that exists in another body". This conceptual connection between one's Atman, the Universal and Ahimsa starts in Isha Upanishad,[44] develops in the theories of the ancient scholar Yajnavalkya, and one which inspired Gandhi as he led non-violent movement against colonialism in early 20th century.[51][52]