This course is designed to inculcate an awareness and appreciation for the overarching philosophy of Ahimsa emanating from the perspectives of the four dharma traditions that started in India: Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Next, this course covers ahimsa and peaceful movements around the world that resulted in meaningful, lasting changes. Thereafter, it takes the students into the 200+ history and evolution of gun violence in America and how it has become an epidemic in the 20th century. We have seen time and again that each act of violence is succeeded by prayers, candles, flowers, widespread media coverage, and a resolution to act, though nothing is ever really accomplished by lawmakers. We develop ideas about how Ahimsa and Peaceful Activism can curb this seemingly unstoppable violence, so that mass shootings and gun violence do not become normalized in our society. Learning Objectives:1. To impart essential literacy about Ahimsa to demonstrate how it is much broader and deeper than the term nonviolence.2. To discuss how the philosophy of Ahimsa has been utilized by Mahavir, Mahatma, and MLK to bring societal transformations.3. To comprehend the enormity of challenges facing primarily America due to the epidemic of gun violence.4. To understand how the Second Amendment has been exploited by the NRA, politicians, and gun lobbies in America, with utter disregard for human lives.5. To discuss how diverse tenets of Ahimsa can be utilized to save human lives through activism in the short (1-2 years), intermediate (3-5 years), and long (6-10 years) terms.6. To learn how you can contribute to curbing gun violence by supporting groups likeEverytown for Gun Safety, Mothers Demand Action, Students Demand Action, Brady’sCampaign, and Ahimsa-End Gun Violence.