The Yamas: Ahimsa

Ahimsa 

We are exploring the Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali in which he lays out a roadmap towards spiritual enlightenment. The roadmap has 8 practices (limbs) for one to explore and develop over a lifetime. Sutra ii.28 says “Through the practice of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, the distortions of individual perception are destroyed and the light of true wisdom brings clarity of consciousness.” 

The first of the 8 limbs are the Yamas, which are external disciplines involving the way we present ourselves in relation to the world. The Yamas guide our actions toward the benefit of all life, they benefit the individual as much as society, moving us toward equanimity and insight. The Yamas are moral qualities that are necessary for connection to our soul nature. They are the behavioral foundations to make life more comfortable and spiritually fulfilling as we cultivate relationships with ourselves, the world, and the divine. 

It is no surprise that the first of the five Yamas, is Ahimsa, the instruction of non-violence. Yoga Sutra ii.35 states “ By becoming peaceful, we experience inner harmony and all outer discord ceases.” Swami Kripalu taught that when one practices nonviolence one refrains from causing distress in thoughts, words, or deeds to any living creature, nonviolence is the root of all other ethical precepts.” Ahimsa is the foundation, the building block of all the other Yamas and Niyamas. First we practice non harming. 

So how do we practice Ahimsa? First, pause to invite an intention of embodying Ahimsa in your attitudes and actions, in your thoughts, in your physical body, and your emotions. As we study Ahimsa, the practice begins with self exploration. Peace begins within and takes sincere dedication to cultivate. Swami Kripalu stated “ the highest form of spiritual practice is self observation with compassion” and developing compassion towards yourself is the root of Ahimsa. Secondly, we learn to watch our thoughts, and catch negative thoughts and judgements that we all have and practice shifting them into peaceful, compassionate thoughts. As we develop this self growth and awareness, we then can extend the same compassion towards our family, friends, neighbors, community and the world. When we develop peacefulness it enables us to make wise decisions rather than reactive or ignorant ones. It allows us to let our ego loosen its grip on the drama it craves of attachment, of having to be right, of passing judgment all which contribute to harming yourself and others. 

Finally, we have to understand that cultivating Ahimsa takes a commitment of practicing each day and over the days, weeks and years it reveals more and more layers that have to be explored. One can soften into a place of acceptance. For me, it began on my yoga mat moving through asana and pranayama and learning to listen to my body and release negativity, judgements and my internal critic which had been within me for as long as I could remember. My Ahimsa practice has evolved over time as I developed the strength and courage to dive deep into my shadows and explore them. Developing a compassionate asana practice can allow a release and a letting go into meditation and a connection with loving awareness. Each day I ask myself how I can practice Ahimsa within my physical and emotional body, within my

relationships and with all that I encounter. It is a challenge, however the Yoga Sutras give you the tools. 

We can all learn by the example of the many great spiritual leaders who practiced non violence and try to embody their attributes. Gandhi wrote “Not to hurt any living thing is no doubt part of Ahimsa, but it is its least expression. The principle of Ahimsa is hurt by every evil thought, by undue haste, by lying, by hatred, by wishing ill to anybody.” It does take discipline and strength to cultivate Ahimsa and a yoga practice can provide the necessary conditioning of mind, body and spirit that will guide us on the path. 

So in conclusion, here are some simple practices to cultivate Ahimsa: 

Practice Yoga asana and pranayama; 

Each day, write down what you are grateful for in your life; 

Spend a few moments sending peaceful prayers to someone; 

Watch your inner dialogue, replace negative thoughts with affirming and loving ones; Be kind to everyone no matter how they may insult you or disrespect you; Forgive, forgive, forgive…yourself and others; 

Make amends to someone who has harmed you; 

Be kind to strangers; 

Practice compassion; 

Practice an affirmation such as: I breathe in peace. I am peace. Peace is in me. I practice Peace. 

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on Ahimsa, 

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti (Peace, Peace, Peace) 

Clare