Easy Ways Kids Can Practice Ahimsa Every Day — with Your DJP

1. Easy Ways Kids Can Practice Ahimsa Easy Ways Kids Can Practice Ahimsa Every Day Every Day — — with Your Digital Jain Pathshala Digital Jain Pathshala with Your 1. What is Ahimsa? In the religion of Jainism, one of the most important teachings is ahimsa, which means “non-violence” or “non-harm”. It doesn’t just mean being kind to people—it means being careful with all living beings, including animals, insects, and even tiny organisms. For kids, that means you don’t need superhero-powers—just small acts of kindness and awareness every day. 2. Why kids can practice ahimsa right now When you are kind and gentle, you help others feel safe and happy—and you make yourself feel good too. Practicing ahimsa develops habits of respect, compassion, and caring for all life. These are qualities any parent, teacher or friend will be proud of.

2. According to Jain teachings, ahimsa is a key step toward being peaceful and balanced in life. And the good news: you don’t need to wait for big events. You can start with small, everyday choices. 3. Easy ways kids can practise ahimsa today Here are simple actions you can try—and you can track them in your “Digital Jain Pathshala” (online & offline learning platform) with friends, parents or teachers. a) Kindness to living things If you see a little insect on the floor, gently move it outside instead of brushing it away. Water plants with care, talk to them, and avoid stepping on tiny sprouts in the garden. Pick up litter in your schoolyard or neighbourhood—helping the earth helps life too. b) Kind words & thoughts Being non-violent isn’t only about what you do—it’s also about what you say and think. If you feel angry or annoyed, pause and choose a calmer response. In Jainism, even harmful thoughts count as a form of violence. Use friendly, respectful language with friends, siblings, and classmates— even when you disagree. c) Gentle eating habits Choose vegetarian snacks when possible, because Jainism encourages avoiding foods that harm other living beings. At mealtimes, avoid wasting food: when we waste, we use more resources and sometimes cause harm indirectly. d) Respect your environment Turn off lights, use less water, re-use things like notebooks and toys. Caring for the world around you shows respect for all life.

3. On nature walks (or virtual ones via your digital platform), observe insects, plants, birds—and think about how your actions affect them. A good activity: carry a notebook and write or draw what you observe. This helps build awareness. e) Friendly “Ahimsa Challenges” in your Digital Jain Pathshala Make a “kind act of the day” calendar: mark one small act every day (for example: “helped a younger sibling”, “put leftover food in compost”, “said something nice to a friend”). Use the digital platform to share your acts of kindness with other kids: photos, drawings, or short messages. Have a weekly check-in: ask yourself “Did I cause any unnecessary harm today? How can I do better tomorrow?” Include mini-games/quizzes: “Which of these actions is an example of ahimsa?” This helps make learning fun. 4. How the Digital Jain Pathshala helps A Digital Jain Pathshala is like an online classroom especially for Jain teachings—perfect for kids. Here are some good features and how they help you practise ahimsa: Videos and stories about Jain principles (like ahimsa) that are made for kids—easy to understand and fun. Interactive worksheets and craft activities: e.g., draw a poster of an “Ahimsa Superhero” or colour a scene of nature and reflect on how all living things are connected. Community forum / leaderboards: you and your friends can post your good deeds, vote for them, and encourage each other. Parent/teacher dashboard: so adults can help you reflect on your actions, share feedback, and celebrate your progress. Certificates or badges: "Ahimsa Champion of the Week!" This makes the habit sticky (you’ll want to keep doing it).

4. 5. Simple plan for a week of Ahimsa Here’s a mini-plan you can follow in your Digital Jain Pathshala. Day 1: Observe—look around your home/school and notice one living being you usually ignore (e.g., an ant, a plant). Write/draw about it. Day 2: Kind words—find a moment when you could say something kind instead of snapping. Do it. Day 3: Environment act—turn off one unused light, reuse a sheet of paper, pick up a piece of litter. Day 4: Food act—choose a vegetarian snack, avoid meat if possible, or eat leftovers instead of throwing away. Day 5: Help someone—help a friend, sibling, or parent without being asked. Day 6: Reflection—look back on the week: What went well? What could I do better? Day 7: Share—on your Digital Jain Pathshala platform, share your favourite moment from the week and what you learnt. 6. Why these small acts matter Builds character: Doing small acts of kindness every day shapes you into someone who respects all life. Creates ripple effects: When friends or family see your actions, they feel encouraged to act kindly too. Connects you to Jain values: You’ll feel more connected to the teachings of Jainism (even as a kid) because you’re practising—not just hearing about them. Makes learning fun: With games, activities and sharing on the digital platform, you’ll look forward to practising ahimsa rather than thinking of it as “another rule”. 7. Final thoughts

5. Remember: you don’t have to be perfect. Jainism sees that even ordinary people (kids included!) will sometimes make mistakes. The important thing is awareness—to notice when you could do better, to try again, and to keep growing. By using your Digital Jain Pathshala, you’re giving yourself a fun, supportive way to practise ahimsa every day. Little steps add up to big change. And when you grow bigger, these habits will help you become someone who naturally lives with kindness, respect, and non-violence.