Ahimsa

If you are newer to yoga philosophy, you may not yet be familiar with the principle of ahimsa. To me, this is the most important one. Ahimsa is at the surface about nonviolence. So, what does that mean for you? Nonviolence can be a tricky concept. Certainly it means that we choose to not directly harm another person. What about other living things? To many yogis and buddhists, this also means not to harm animals to the extent of not eating meat or animal based products, as well as not wearing or using animal products or products tested on animals. What about the environment? What about fair trade, fair wages? Carbon footprint? The ways to extend this principle out into the world are endless!

Let’s start with an intention- I choose to make one step toward nonviolence this week. Perhaps it is an interpersonal form of nonviolence, such as apologizing for a wrongdoing. Perhaps it is an environmental ahimsa such as walking to the grocery store. Start small, because the small things can grow if you do them with intention.

As you begin on your own path of ahimsa, don’t forget that this concept also applies to how you treat yourself. How you interact with stress in your life can produce violent effects for your body and mind. The choices that you make in your work, relationships, and leisure time can also move you toward ahimsa or away from this principle. Treat your body and mind with kindness and watch how this kindness spreads in nonviolence.