Ahimsa (non-violence) is a fundamental ethical principle in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It encompasses non-harm in thought, word, and deed toward all living beings. The Mahabharata declares "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" — non-violence is the highest duty. Ahimsa is the foundation for vegetarianism in Hinduism, the protection of cows (Gau Raksha), and the general reverence for all life. It is the first of the five Yamas (moral restraints) in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Mahatma Gandhi elevated Ahimsa into a political philosophy, using it as the basis for India's non-violent independence movement. However, Hindu texts also recognize that complete non-violence is sometimes impossible — the Bhagavad Gita's battlefield setting explores the tension between Ahimsa and the duty (Dharma) to fight injustice.