You shall not kill | Bible 10 commandments

You Shall Not Kill: Exploring the Link Between Jainism, Christianity, and Gandhi’s Philosophy of Non-Violence

“You shall not kill.” These four words from the Bible’s Ten Commandments encapsulate a timeless moral teaching — the sacredness of life and the prohibition of taking it unjustly. For many, this commandment stands as one of the clearest expressions of divine moral order. Most memorably for many modern audiences, it became a central theme in the 2016 movie Hacksaw Ridge, where the protagonist Desmond Doss, a Christian pacifist, refuses to carry a weapon due to his deep belief in this commandment.

This message, however, isn't exclusive to Christianity. In fact, the idea of non-violence has deep roots in other world religions — most notably, Jainism. And in the 20th century, this principle became the cornerstone of Mahatma Gandhi's life and political struggle. What ties all these together is the profound commitment to Ahimsa — the idea that life in all its forms is sacred and should not be harmed.

Ahimsa in Jainism: A Way of Life

In Jainism, Ahimsa is not just a moral rule; it is the foundation of the entire spiritual path. It is the first and most important of the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas) taken by Jain monks and nuns. For laypersons too, non-violence is a guiding principle.

Ahimsa in Jainism is practiced with great intensity. It goes far beyond not killing humans. Jains extend this compassion to all living beings — animals, insects, plants, even microscopic organisms. To harm or kill any living being is seen as creating negative karma and hindering the soul’s liberation.

Jains follow strict dietary habits (vegetarianism or even veganism), avoid root vegetables, and take great care in their actions and words to avoid causing pain. In this tradition, non-violence is not passive — it is an active commitment to compassion and harmlessness in thought, speech, and action.

“Thou Shall Not Kill”: Christianity and the Commandment of Non-Violence

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the commandment “Thou shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13) is central to the moral law given by God. While interpretations vary — some translate the original Hebrew as “Thou shall not murder” to differentiate it from killing in war or self-defense — the spiritual essence remains: life is sacred and must be protected.

Jesus, in the New Testament, took this principle even further. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), he taught not only to refrain from killing but also to avoid anger and hatred — emphasizing reconciliation, forgiveness, and love for one’s enemies.

This deeper interpretation resonates closely with Jain and Gandhian thought — moving beyond just physical non-violence to inner non-violence, where even ill-will and harsh words are seen as forms of harm.

Gandhi's Non-Violence: Bridging Jainism and Christianity

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa) was inspired by multiple sources. Born into a Hindu family with strong exposure to Jain values, Gandhi absorbed the Jain emphasis on self-control, strict vegetarianism, and reverence for life from a young age.

Later in life, during his time in South Africa and England, Gandhi read the Bible extensively. The teachings of Jesus — especially the Sermon on the Mount — deeply moved him. He admired Jesus’ radical commitment to love, compassion, and non-retaliation. Gandhi once said, “I regard Jesus as one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had.”

For Gandhi, Ahimsa was not just a religious principle — it was a universal law of life. He believed that non-violence was the highest virtue and the only path to real peace, whether in personal relationships or political struggles.

Interfaith Harmony in the Practice of Ahimsa

What makes the convergence of Jainism, Christianity, and Gandhi’s philosophy so powerful is that it demonstrates how different religions, cultures, and historical periods have arrived at a similar truth: that violence harms not only the victim but also the perpetrator, and that love, compassion, and restraint are the true markers of a higher life.

Each tradition adds its own nuance:

• Jainism gives Ahimsa a metaphysical depth, linking it with karma and liberation.
• Christianity frames non-violence in terms of divine love, mercy, and forgiveness.
• Gandhi transformed non-violence into a socio-political force — a tool for justice, not passivity.

Conclusion: The Universal Call of Non-Violence

In an age of war, division, and ecological destruction, the timeless command — “You shall not kill” — still echoes across traditions, cultures, and hearts. Whether spoken by the prophets of Israel, the Tirthankaras of Jainism, or the Mahatma of India, the message is clear: reverence for life is the cornerstone of any just and compassionate world.

In recognizing this harmony between Jainism, Christianity, and Gandhian thought, we not only deepen our understanding of non-violence — we also rediscover our shared humanity.