Ahimsa - nonviolence

Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word for non-violence. In the Yoga sutras of Pantanjali, the eight limbs of yoga are described. The first limb is yama, or moral discipline. The first yama is ahimsa.

Not only is ahimsa physical non-violence, it is nonviolent thoughts, words, and feelings, and a practice of compassion to yourself and all living beings. 

All living creatures have to survive and protect themselves. Thus we are given violence and aggression as a natural instinct. As humans we are conscious beings, therefore we don’t have to live like animals and act on instinct only. We have the awareness of this violence within us and a choice on how to act. Our first duty is to take care of ourselves. But our work is to act in ways that don’t harm others. This is not easy because it is in our nature to be selfish, it is deep rooted. 

In my yoga class today we practiced slow, steady, kindness toward our bodies and thoughts. If you tend to the inner ecosystem, you can serve the outer world. How you treat yourself is often a reflection of how you treat others. Begin to notice the way you treat and talk to yourself - see if you can shift toward more love and compassion. It takes a lot of strength to practice ahimsa.

Today’s mantra: “Practicing non-violence at all levels of being, I experience complete inner peace.”

Om, shanti, shanti, shanti.

Om, peace, peace, peace.