Recognizing and appreciating the countless causes and conditions that beings rely on, we become aware of how interconnected we are, and come to appreciate that we depend on common things and each other. With this appreciation, we are less likely to cause harm to others and more likely to experience loving kindness (metta) towards them. In this way, practicing non-violence or non-aggression naturally brings us into alignment with the Buddha’s view. In Buddhist philosophy, this is referred to as Pratityasamutpada, which is the law that all things arise in dependence on other things. Nothing exists in isolation, but instead everything is influenced by a complex web of causal relationships. The Buddha taught that all thoughts, words, and actions have causes and consequences.

Economic, political, cultural, technological, environmental, and digital systems profoundly shape and define human experience by maintaining the norms and values that humans live by and adapt. These systems can be assessed by the harm or good they cause. As these systems evolve, they continue to shape and reshape human experiences, requiring individuals and societies to adapt continuously. Since these systems have a dynamic nature, we humans can influence change and transformation by placing value on nonviolent systems.

In considering how to evaluate systems, we can simply question who may be harmed and investigate how this harm could be reduced or eliminated. Then, we can advocate for changes that will reduce harm and increase benefit, using nonviolence or non-aggression as the measure. We must also remember that to be effective, we cannot act with aggression ourselves.

Systems are dynamic and can be influenced. We have the responsibility and skills to be stewards of a kinder world. Bringing our awareness to the causes, conditions, and effects of systems helps us make wise choices that can reduce our contribution to systemic suffering. When there is harm, there is usually selfish motivation or a lack of awareness.

The Angulimala Sutra exemplifies the significance of ahimsa (doing no harm) by illustrating the transformative effects of nonviolence on actions and mental attitudes.

It takes bravery to challenge dominant systems, but the teachings of the Buddha can serve as guideposts for making decisions, particularly for doing no harm. As we align our actions with the non-aggression of ahimsa, we participate in systemic shifts for the benefit of others.

Experience the impact (on self and others) when attempting to make social change, and reflect on how it feels to have influence.

• In what ways has the principle of ahimsa shaped social movements or influenced leaders?
• How can ahimsa be relevant to modern issues such as environmental conservation, animal rights, and social justice?
• How can the teachings of ahimsa contribute to tackling intolerance, discrimination, and violence within society?

Analyze systemic structures through the lens of ahimsa (non-aggression) by identifying who benefits and who is harmed by specific economic, social, or political systems; evaluate personal participation in potentially harmful systems using Buddhist ethical frameworks; and synthesize understanding by designing alternative approaches that prioritize ahimsa and pratityasamutpada (dependent origination) in social change efforts.