Ahisma - noun, Sanskrit
~a Buddhist and Hindu doctrine expressing belief in the sacredness of all living creatures and urging the avoidance of all types of harm and violence
~Roughly translated, ahisma is the principle of noninjury to living beings. It can be interpreted as "dynamic harmlessness." The practice of ahisma includes avoiding specific foods and products, being considerate of the lives of humans and animals and actively participating in beneficial action.