What is the association
Ahimsa?
To put it simply...
Ahimsa Non-Violence is a non-profit association (law 1901) that offers artistic, humanitarian, and cultural activities to promote the values of non-violence. The word "Ahimsa" is a Sanskrit term that means "non-violence" and is inspired by Vedic philosophy, adapted to the modern world, to help everyone move towards a positive life.
Ahimsa is aimed at people who have experienced extremes of violence or delinquency, as well as those going through difficult times in their lives. It also welcomes anyone who simply wants to engage and help others. The association is open to all and prioritizes meeting others and embracing diversity, where everyone can learn from one another and accept others as they are,without any social, cultural, or religious barriers.
Over time, we have developed several initiatives:
- Volunteer activities allowing people to get involved andhelp others, such as distributing meals to those in need
- Monthly meetings, a support helpline, and assistance to welcome and support people in difficulty
- Opportunities to share, with the organization of events, celebrations, and outings throughout the year
- Publications, videos, books, magazines, podcasts, and conferences that promote the values of non-violence in daily life
How Was
Ahimsa Non-Violence
Founded?
The Beginnings of Ahimsa Non-Violence
The association was founded by William Deligny, a former member of an ultra-violent skinhead gang in the 1980s, who overcame hatred and violence through yoga and spirituality. He embarked on a personal journey that gradually led to the creation of Ahimsa and the various activities surrounding it.
In 1993, as an act of repentance, he began distributing free vegetarian meals in the streets of Paris and at concerts. His travels between India and France deepened his spiritual path, and in 2002, he settled in Rouen with friends, eventually forming a spiritual community in 2010. During this time, he shared his life story and transformation through a blog and social media, generating a strong response from people who were touched by his experiences and expressed their gratitude.
Driven by a desire of repentance, to seek forgiveness and help othersfacing similar struggles, William, alongside a group of friends, founded Ahimsa Non-Violence, with meal distribution as its core activity. Over time, the association expanded, incorporating street performances, special events, and support initiatives. The first Ahimsa Festival took place in 2011, followed by another in 2012, leading to the official creation of the Ahimsa Non-Violence association and its Motorcycle Ministry in 2013.
As the movement grew, Ahimsa continued to develop activities aimed at raising funds for its humanitarian efforts, such as street performances and community gatherings . Special celebrations for Christmas and New Year's Eve were introduced, and William's biography, published in 2015, further inspired individuals who sought guidance and support. A helpline was established to offer assistance to those in need.
Although some Ahimsa members follow the Hindu-Vaishnava faith, the association remains spiritually neutral, centered on meditation. Its openness allows people from diverse backgrounds—including atheists, yogis, Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, retirees, students, former criminals, and professionals—to come together around shared values of peace and non-violence.
Ahimsa Non-Violence today continues its free meal distribution three times a weekand organizes street performances every weekend to raise funds. The association also hosts a bi-weekly radio podcast, monthly open meetings , and various community events. A new rock band, Die To Live, has emerged, and motorcycle outings are organized throughout the summer, fostering a spirit of unity and engagement.
Our Core Values & Charter
Humility, tolerance,
respect, compassion
We all make mistakes, but these values are a goal that we try to reach as best we can, day after day.
The Ahimsa Non-Violence concept is a way of life based on inner work to help ourselves and others evolve towards positive qualities. To do this, we need the tools to progress: an organization, actions and a way of life. Without these, it's just words, because thought needs to be translated into action to bear fruit.
The principle of non-violence as developed by the Ahimsa Non-Violence association is based on the integration of 4 founding values for inner work: humility, tolerance, respect and compassion. Working through these four valuesharmonizes and pacifies all aspects of life.
The Ahimsa non-violence Charter
To become a member of the association is to commit oneself to doing one's best to follow these principles
I. Ahimsa (non-violence) is to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
II. We must become a friend of beings and see their truth beyond their external appearance.
III. Through meditation and good deeds, we can acquire the humility, tolerance, respect and compassion required to achieve this goal.
IV. Our actions are not simply a means of helping others, but a means of progressing and receiving love through those we help.
V. We are not superior or inferior, but servants, not masters.
VI. Without seeing the truth in beings, we cannot be their true friend, and without becoming their friend, we cannot see the truth.
VII. Everyone has the right to love, everyone has the right to forgiveness, and everyone has the right to change.
VIII. We must have no discrimination in our vision, we must be equal to all.