Final answer:
Forcing Hindus to abandon the practice of ahimsa would deeply violate their religious beliefs, disrupt social and economic structures rooted in the principle of non-violence, and could lead to significant psychological and societal turmoil.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Forcing a Change in Hindu Practice
Examining the potential consequences of coercing the Hindu population to abandon the principle of ahimsa reveals deep-rooted implications for their religious, social, and ethical fabric. Ahimsa is a core value in Hinduism, which advocates for non-violence and the belief that harming others ultimately leads to self-harm. This concept aligns with the karmic law of action and reaction, which is instrumental in the cycle of rebirth or samsara. Subsequently, forcing Hindus to stop practicing ahimsa could be extremely damaging as it would violate one of their most profound religious tenets closely connected to the pursuit of liberation (moksha).
Comparison to Socrates's harm principle aside, the practice of ahimsa and the adherence to karmic law are foundational in maintaining societal harmony and personal morality. These beliefs are not just spiritual directives but are interwoven with ecological balance and economic stability, as seen in Marvin Harris' analysis of the Hindu prohibition against killing cows. The cow is an integral part of Indian society not only religiously but also economically, serving as a source of various sustenance without necessitating its death.
Given the centrality of these beliefs in Hindu society's ethical and societal structures, challenging them could lead to profound psychological distress, social upheaval, and a fundamental disruption of the cultural and religious identity among Hindus. It could be perceived as a form of cultural imperialism and disrespect, triggering possible social conflicts and a fracturing of community unity.