YAMAS
Ahimsa; The first step...The act of non-violence to self and all other living things, to do no harm.
To practice Ahimsa is to be wholly kind in thought, action and deed. It is important to be careful what we think as our thoughts become our character and our actions. Therefore our thoughts take effect on ourselves and others. Ahimsa encourages us to find balance within ourself, our thoughts and emotions, for example if you are experiencing anger a common emotion it can be quenched with compassion by practicing the principles of Ahimsa.
Ahimsa however should not be confused with being passive, it does not mean we need to become numb or defenseless, we should always protect our selves and others in the kindest way possible. The sacred texts of the Vedas is a collection of ancient philosophical teachings from India which has within it a story about a monk and a snake the story demonstrates how practicing Ahimsa does not mean that you become neutral.
A wandering monk, who traveled a circuit of villages annually delivering his teachings entered one of the villages and saw a large menacing snake terrorizing people. The monk spoke to the snake and taught him about Ahimsa. The following year when the monk visited the village, he saw the snake again and was surprised at how changed the snake was. This previously impressive creature was now skinny and very bruised. The monk asked the snake what had happened to it. The snake replied that it had taken the teaching of Ahimsa to heart and had stopped terrorizing the villagers. But because he was no longer scary, the children threw rocks at the snake and taunted it, leaving the snake afraid to leave its hiding place to hunt, this led to the snake becoming malnourished and bruised. The monk shook his head and explained to the snake “I did advise you against violence, but I never told you not to hiss.” Highlighting that the snake should not practice violence to others, but equally not to itself either which it was doing by not protecting itself.
Protection of ourselves and others does not violate Ahimsa, its practice means that we take responsibility for our own considered behavior to others and try to prevent harm caused by others too. True Ahimsa springs from the clear intention to act with clarity and love to all, it means to share kindness to benefit all inhabitants of our society it does not mean to become a victim.
Yoga postures should always be practiced following the principles of Ahimsa. For example forward bends such as Uttanasana (standing forward fold), Paschimottanasana (seated forward fold) are introspective in nature inviting you inwards and should not be practiced aggressively. Trying to force yourself to fold deeper than you are ready to do so is being unkind to yourself, first find your edge, breathe deeply into the pose and relax further if/when this becomes available to you. Remember working deeper does not necessarily mean physically folding further it is about looking inwards and listening to what your needs are.
Consider how you can practice and share Ahimsa in your life... for example if you have had a day full of worry and are feeling dragged down by pressures, do not add to these pressures by berating yourself instead remind yourself to be gentle with yourself this kindness will then spread to others. You can also choose to protect yourself by avoiding the intake of stimulants in your daily life such as caffeine, tobacco and alcohol allowing balance and calmness to reside within you, this serenity can then be shared with those around you.
Om Namaste
