The Jain religion in India teaches that because all life is essentially interrelated and interconnected, all living beings should be considered sacred and be respected. This belief forms the basis of the doctrine of ahimsa, which has been translated into English variously as "reverence for life," "nonviolence," and "dynamic compassion."

Sacred Water: The Spiritual Source of Life (ed. Paulist Press, 2002) - ISBN: 9781587680137