The origins of basic philosophy of non-violence can be traced back to many thousands years old concept of Ahinsa in Indian philosophy. This concept of Ahinsa was particularly emphasized in Jain and Buddhist streams of Indian philosophy. However the concept was popularized in recent times by Mahatma Gandhi during his struggle against British Rule in India from 1915 t0 1947.
The concept of non-violence as applicable to modern times refers to a method of achieving social justice by using non-violent method. Martin Luther King, a prominent practitioner of non-violence in USA has described this concept very well in his article The Meaning of Non Violence. As per King oppressed people can deal with oppression in three ways. First way is to "resign themselves to oppression". The second way is to "rise up with the violence and corroding hatred". And finally the third way is the way of non-violence. As per King:
The philosophy of non-violence contends that the means we use mus be as pure as the ends we seek. . . . one's aim must never be to inflict injury upon the opponent. In Indian Philosophy they call this idea Ahinsa - non-injury.
Non-violence as a means of securing social justice involves means such as passive-resistance and non-cooperation. It also means to to be ready to accept the punishment meted out by the oppressor in response to your non-violent methods of protest without retaliation. For example, in the famous Dandi campaign of Mahatma Gandhi, thousands of followers manufactures salt against the unjust law imposed by British. In response the police beat them up and put them in jails, but those non-violent protesters continued to break the unjust law without any violence from their side.
Many people in different countries, encouraged by the success of non-violent movement in India were encouraged to use this means to secure justice for themselves. In USA Martin Luther King adopted this method in early 1950's for his struggle against racial discrimination of African Americans, and continued to use it very successfully till his death in 1968.
A lot more information on non-violence including writings of Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi can be obtained from the site Peace, Non-violence and Conflict Resolution. A link to this site is given below.
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