Non-violence (ahimsa) in Yoga
Ahimsa — Non-violence
Pronunciation: ah-him-saa
From Sanskrit, with ‘a’ meaning non or without and ‘hiṃsā’ meaning violence.
All the yama and niyama (yogic observances) have both obvious and subtle meanings, this is especially true for Ahimsa. Non-violence extends to thought, word, and deed — a state of consciousness that doesn’t seek to harm others in any way. While many of us may immediately think that we’re non-violent, careful introspection will reveal that subtle forms of violence often weave themselves throughout what we think, say, and do.
One of the most prominent forms of violence we experience is within our own-selves. Our harsh criticisms, judgments, and lack of self-worth create conditions where we beat ourselves up or mentally attack others. We forget that beneath the surface, we all have the desire to love and be loved. Lack of self-love leads us to twist our behaviour to meet these needs in a way that never truly satisfies them. Are you suppressing your emotions, using them to manipulate others, or allowing yourself to be manipulated? If so, you may display aggressive behaviours towards yourself or others. Remember, the Buddha taught that holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the first one to get burnt.
What is outside of you is a reflection of what is inside of you; most difficult yet crucial personal growth involves taking complete responsibility for everything that happens in our lives. The way you treat people and all other living creatures is a testament to your inner state. As your consciousness expands to include more of the world and its situations, you’ll begin to see how every thought and action affects the whole. This humbling realization leads us to be more compassionate and discerning as we realize that we must, in the words of the great non-violent activist Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change we wish to see in the world”.
Can you accept yourself and the world around you with ease? Do you monitor the effects of your thoughts and actions on others? Are you aware when your intentions are rooted in anger, fear or manipulation? How can you reduce your negative “footprint” in the world both environmentally and emotionally?
The hallmark of a yogi is to move through the world without leaving unconscious trails of oneself. It begins by having compassion and acceptance for our own experience, which means to be without judgement. This is essential to stop the cycle of action-reaction that creates violence in the world. Drawing this card may be reminding you that every being has the right to exist without coercion or violation of their life potential — including yourself.
“Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. It’s seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Practice
Forgiveness Prayer:
I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you.
By acknowledging your own faults, seeking forgiveness and offering forgiveness to others, you cleanse your heart and remove the walls built by hurt and judgement. This can be practiced by yourself, with another, or within a group.
When a thought or emotion arises in you that is hurtful, angry, or judgemental, connect to your heart and say the forgiveness prayer as a way of defusing the negative energy. Be sure to tune into your bodily sensations and say it while connected to your felt experience.
I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you.
If there is someone you have hurt in the past and you can feel that there are still feelings of resentment that exist between you, this prayer can work wonders to dissolve the tension that exists even if there is some resistance at the start. You can replace the words “please forgive me” with “I forgive you”, if you wish to offer forgiveness.
You’ll be amazed at people’s capacity for compassion. If you can’t reach out in person, picture the person in your mind and say this prayer to them. If you do so with humility and recognition of your faults, you may notice a shift in yourself, and the other person, the next time you meet.
It is important to develop sincerity in our prayer. Emotion is one of the most powerful forces in shaping our reality; when you do or say something with real feeling, you bring it forth into existence.
*This practice comes from the Hawaiian Ho’oponopono prayer for healing relationships.
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