Peace and Nonviolence Quiz #1

Ahimsa

Championed by Gandhi, a Jain term meaning “non harm.” It is the sole principle of satyagraha. Involves avoiding harm through three dimensions: thoughts, words, and deeds. Ahimsa is not passive weakness, an active, powerful force of nonviolent resistance.

Satyagraha

Means “holding firm to truth.” It is nonviolent resistance. Was the basis of Gandhi’s technique and to him, it invariably means social justice. It is the relative truth because the ultimate truth is unknown.

the Salt March

Focused on an 1882 British law that outlawed Indians from making salt, over which the British government held a monopoly. Gandhi led thousands on a 24-day march to the sea to make salt illegally. He and thousands of Indians were jailed. Ended in a truce between Gandhi and the British government. Many people wanted more than a truce, but Gandhi emphasized the importance of establishing themselves as a force hat needed to be negotiated with.

Swaraj

Means “self-rule” or “self-governance.” Politically, it’s a demand for freedom from British rule. Gandhi’s broader definition includes moral and spiritual self-discipline, arguing that true freedom requires one to rule oneself. This placed emphasis on villages and the ability to be self-sufficient, remove social inequities, and achieve economic independence.

Sarvodaya

the upliftment of all. term gandhi uses for socio-economic equality. It emphasizes the welfare of every individual in society, advocating for a harmonious balance between spiritual and material well-being. Not achieved through Marxist class struggle but rather achieved through social justice.

Swadeshi

(add more) Means using goods, crafts, and knowledge produced within one’s own country and community.

Jiva

Jain belief that all animate and (what non-Jains would typically consider) inanimate things, including earth, water, fire, and air contain a life-force. It is an eternal, sentient entity separate from the physical body. A jiva can be muddied by negative karmic actions.

five Jain vows

Jains believe in epistemological relativism, meaning we can never know anything absolutely. They believe when absolutes are used, violence is used. The 5 great vows provide a strong moral framework:

1. non-harming

2. truthfulness

3. non-stealing

4. celibacy

5. non-accumulation of goods

sallekhana/santhara

Viewed by Jains as “the art of dying.” It is a voluntary act of fasting to death by gradually reducing food and water intake. Vow is taken only when death is imminent or life has served its purpose. Happens under strict spiritual guidance. Ongoing political debate.

Jain views on animals

Jains believe that animals have moral and spiritual capacities. They can practice nonviolence and eventually be reborn as humans, who may become Jain monks and attain liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.The idea that animals have the capacity for salvation is not shared in traditional Christianity, which holds that animals do not have eternal souls like humans

Michael Tobias

(add more) American author, animal rights activist, and filmmaker who wrote “Life Force: The World of Jainism.”

the XIV Dalai Lama

Head of the Gelugpa (“Yellow Hat”) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Dalai: Mongolian for “ocean” (of wisdom). Lama is Tibetan for “guru” or “teacher”. Created the five-point peace plan to transform Tibet. Exemplar of nonviolence believing that actions motivated by hate or anger are ineffective. Believes the motivation behind an action ultimately determines whether it is (non)violent

Engaged Buddhism

Started because of a pro-catholic, pro-US president of south vietnam violently oppressing the rights of the buddhist majority to practice their religion. Resulted in widespread protests. Efforts included:

• anti-war writers, composers, poets, and artists

• fasting

• Noncooperation with government: strikes, resignations, etc.

• self- immolation

Thic Nhat Hanh was a thought leader and activist of this movement.

(in addition to other things)

Thich Nhat Hanh 

Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, poet, and peace activist. Wrote the beautiful poem, “please call me by my true names.” Promotes the idea of “intervening.” Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by MLK. In 1965, he founded the Tiep Hien Order, a.k.a. the Order of Interbeing to promote Engaged Buddhism