Reading through the Jabal-Darshan Upanishad, where the source of the Yamas, and Niyamas are expounded. Central to many yogic practices, is the concept of Ahimsa. (A: negator and Hims:strike). This has widely been translated as "non-violence", which is only a part of Ahimsa. To accept this translation, would be akin to translating Yoga as asana. Of course, there is much more to yoga than merely asana. To look at the source of confusion, and there is much, we can look squarely at Mr Ahimsa himself, Mahatma Ghandi. Ghandi popularised the phrase "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma", which has been translated as "Non-violence is the ultimate duty". However, this is a half truth, and captures a very shallow translation. Dharma, means law/duty/religion in sanskrit, and has two aspects, Vihita dharma (prescribed dharma) and Nishiddha dharma (prohibited dharma). In other words, the Do’s and Don’ts for regulating your life. The phase "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" has its origins in the Mahabharat, however, this is only half of the story. The text reads: Ahimsa Paramo Dharma. Dharma himsa tathaiva cha. Translation: Non-violence is the ultimate dharma. So too is violence in service of Dharma. Imagine seeing, and an elderly person, in a wheelchair, is being brutally assaulted. Do you walk past, because to intervene would not be in keeping with Ahimsa? No. Ahimsa in the service of dharma allows us to intervene to protect Dharma. (the elderly person). This also extends to protecting ourselves. Dharma is to be protected at all times. (Unless you are practicing Nivritti Marga. More on this in a moment`). It is this concept which Ajuna struggled with on the battlefield with Krishna, as told in the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna explained to Ajuna that to he was duty bound to fight, and not to do so would incur sins. The phrase "Ahimsa paramo dharma" does not appear in the Bhagavad Gita. The two major spiritual paths in Hinduism. 1. For householders: Pravritti Marga. The way of the world. 2. For Monks: Nivritti Marga, the path of return. The Mahanirvana Tantra describes the householder as having four Purusarthas. 1. Dharma (Righteousness and Duty) 2. Artha (Pursuit of Wealth and Property) 3. Kama (Sensual desires) 4. Moksha (Liberation) A person who finds the balance and harmony between these four is one who finds the rhythm of life. • The path of return (Nivritti Marga) however, is far more restrictive. • A monk, avowed to celibacy, should be physically and mentally pure. • Should lead a life of simplicity, spend most of their time in the contemplation of God, and study the scriptures. • Should not own any home, wealth or property. • Should live in a hut, a temple, or under a tree. • Should be truthful and full of compassion for all beings. • Should be totally indifferent to blame, praise, pleasure or pain. • The only goal in life should be the realization of God. "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" can only be practiced by Sannyasins who tread the path of Nivritti Marga. From the Ishvar Gita (11:15). There is no other virtue better than Non-Violence, nor is there any other comfort better than the same. The Violence which is performed as per the provisions of the Scripture (for getting justice), is also considered as Non-Violence.