The “Yoga Sutras” can be understood as an eight limbed tree. For an overview of the complete 8 Limbs of Yoga please refer back to my article “The 8 Limbs of Yoga – An Introduction” by clicking HERE.
Today we start at the foundation, the roots of the tree with the “yamas”, the moral and ethical code of conduct towards the external world. The “yamas” guide our actions, speech and thought and how we relate to others. As we begin to understand our own behavior and how it affects those around us, we build solid roots for our yoga tree. From here we move upward with the ultimate goal of Samadhi or divine liberation. Liberation does not so much refer to a concept after death but much more to a state of liberation in the here and now. It encourages us to obtain freedom from worries, anger and fear, and invites us to live fully in the present moment.
The first practice of the “yamas” is:
ahimsā / ahimsa अहिंसा
“When the yogi is firmly established in non-violence, hostility is abandoned in his presence.” (Gary Kissiah, 2011, p. 311).
Ahimsā translates to non-violence and, like many other of the “yamas” can be found as a similar moral code in the Christian, Jewish and Buddhist traditions.
“May all beings look at me with a friendly eye. May I do likewise, and may we all look on each other with the eyes of a friend.”
~ Yajur Veda: 36.18.
The meaning of non-violence is often understood to not harm or kill anyone physically. However, ahimsa encompasses our thoughts, deeds, actions, intentions and communication. It encourages us to cultivate love and compassion towards other human beings, animals, nature and especially towards oneself.
If you are one of my cherished yoga students you may notice that we practice ahimsa in every one of my classes. We refrain from comparing and judging ourselves. Instead we bring our awareness to the present moment with full acceptance of what is. We become aware of our thoughts and emotions (again without judgment), notice what is there and then choose to let go. We practice listening to our bodies and honoring our commitment to yoga.
Ahimsa urges us to become aware of restricted thinking (e.g. “I have never been good at that”), patterns (e.g. always being late, procrastinating, etc.), or negative self-talk (e.g. “I am not good enough”), and invites us to forgive and embrace ourselves. It encourages us to treat ourselves with kindness and compassion. It reminds us that we are imperfectly perfect, and that we are doing the best we can at any given moment.
By creating acceptance and love towards oneself supports us in showing love, kindness and compassion towards others. We don’t feel the need to talk, think or act negatively about someone else but practice clear and loving thoughts, intention and communication.
As we treat others with respect, kindness and compassion as well as offer help, support and inspiration we will likely be rewarded with a deep sense of peacefulness and fulfillment. Your smile may brighten someones day and the ripple effect of this simple gesture can’t be underestimated.
I would love to hear from you. What does Ahimsa mean to you and how to do apply it in your daily life? You may leave a comment on my website, Facebook page, or email.
May your love, kindness and compassion touch all beings around you and spread harmony and happiness!
