Nature’s Calling - Ahimsa Paramo Dharma

Ahimsa means living without harming people, animals, or nature.
Environmental harm is a form of violence against the planet.
Everyday choices—like reducing waste—reflect true non-violence.
Sustainability is modern Dharma in action.

With ongoing conflicts like Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and other global tensions, it’s important to remember an old principle from Hindu philosophy: Ahimsa Paramo Dharma (Non-violence is the highest duty).

This idea comes from ancient Hindu texts like the Mahabharata. But there’s more to the full verse than most people know: “Ahimsa paramo dharmaḥ, dharma-himsa tathaiva cha.” (Non-violence is the highest dharma, but so is violence in defense of dharma.) This means that while nonviolence is a great ideal, it is not always enough. If Dharma—meaning truth, justice, and righteousness—is under threat, then even violence may be allowed to protect what is right. The goal is not to fight but to defend moral values and protect life.

In today’s world, this teaching doesn’t just apply to war. It also applies to one of the biggest problems we face today: climate change and the destruction of our environment.

Our planet is being polluted at an alarming rate, biodiversity is declining, and extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common. Glaciers are melting, seasons are growing harsher, sea levels are rising, and countless species are disappearing. These outcomes are largely driven by environmental pollution and irresponsible human behavior.

At a time like this, the application of Ahimsa Paramo Dharma is more vital than ever. Non-violence is often understood only in terms of physical conflict or warfare. However, this principle also extends to our relationship with nature—it implies eco-friendliness, sustainability, and kindness toward all living beings. It teaches us to live peacefully with our ecosystem, and this can be practiced in many simple and meaningful ways.

One way to practice nonviolence toward nature is by reducing waste and using resources—whether natural or human-made—with mindfulness. Choosing sustainable alternatives over harmful materials can make a significant difference. For instance, replacing polluting synthetics, polyesters, and single-use plastics with cotton, paper, and other reusable items is a small yet impactful step. These changes can begin at home: substitute plastic bottles with durable metal ones, bring reusable totes for grocery shopping, or use fallen leaves as compost for your garden in the fall.

On the large scale, the adoption of green technologies has gained momentum and must continue. Examples include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and bioenergy—all of which harness natural elements like sunlight, wind, and water to generate electricity and heat sustainably.

To some extent, human actions can reverse the environmental damage caused by embracing the philosophy of Ahimsa Paramo Dharma. What nature needs today is not just awareness but conscious living—working in harmony with minimal impact.

Be kind to nature, and nature will be kind to you.