Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word meaning “non-violence.” The term is derived from the root word himsa, meaning “to cause pain,” and the prefix – ‘a’ means “not.” Himsa (physical violence) arises out of fear, and fear leads to insecurity, which causes us to feel separate from others—alone and misunderstood.
Ahimsa , the first and foremost of the five yamas (restraints) of the great sage Patanjali’s eightfold path as described in the Yoga Sutras, enables us to live in such a way that we cause no harm in thought, speech, or action to any living being, including ourselves.
In its purest form, ahimsa is the spontaneous expression of the highest form of love — universal love, kindness, compassion and forgiveness — an unconditional sense of belonging to everyone and everything.
Already without your knowledge you are destroying many creatures. You walk and many ants are dying under your feet. You are not killing anyone. It is just happening. But an intention to destroy something, an intention to do violence can destroy your very basis, your very own root. Dropping this intention for violence is ahimsa.” – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Ahimsa is not a passive force; it is possible to radiate non-violent energy actively, bringing peace to others. Examples include vegetarianism (adopting a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle) or, in our modern age, living in a way that does not harm the environment, or any living creature, not harming ourselves including no physical harm as well as emotional harm to ourselves with the likes of destructive habits, negative thoughts and repressed emotions, criticising others, or pushing ourselves too far in a Yoga pose.
Find out 10 ways of practising ahimsa here. https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/yoga/beginners/ahimsa-yamas-nonviolence
How can I practice Ahimsa in my everyday life?
1. Eat a healthy and plant-based vegetarian diet
2. Cultivate the seeds of positive and loving thoughts
3. Make sure not to skip your meals and zzz’s
4. Ahimsa on the wheels – Be a calm driver
5. Care for the Mother Earth and our ecosystem
6. Use your on-mat yoga practice (or similar) for… practice
7. Just let it go
8. Resolve conflicts by peaceful measures (Me : work in progress ! 🙂 )
9. Practice Meditation
10) Get involved with non-violent initiatives to help spread peace
Taking Inspirations from the Warriors of Ahimsa
Besides Sage Patanjali, the concept of ahimsa was spoken of in India by Lord Mahavira—propounder of Jain dharma (599-527 B.C.E.), Gautama Buddha (566-486 B.C.E.) and in China by Lao Tzu (sixth century B.C.E.). The doctrine of compassion was also taught by Jesus Christ (“Love your neighbor as yourself” or “Thou shalt not kill.”) and the Apostles.
The essential doctrine of ahimsa has also been demonstrated by many philosophers, political activists, scholars, scientists and religious leaders, including Henry David Thoreau, Sojourner Truth, Thomas Merton, M.K. Gandhi, Sir Bertrand Russell, Dorothy Day, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., The Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman, Peace Pilgrim, Rev. Matthew Fox, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, to name a few.
These warriors of ahimsa teach us that conflict is inevitable in our human world, but that we can bring love and compassion amidst conflicts to resolve them and make a positive impact in the world.
In today’s world, where we are so often threatened and shocked by violent incidents like mass shootings, adhering to ahimsa may seem unrealistic. But if you honestly look inwards with a calm mind, the truth of the power of ahimsa will seem so practical. India winning her independence battle with the non-violent freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi may seem like the distant past, but the recent story of peaceful reconciliation inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar between the Columbian government and FARC guerrillas in June 2015, that became instrumental in ending the brutal 52-year war that has left 225,000 dead and another 7 million displaced will definitely inspire us to pursue ahimsa (nonviolent resistance) as a way for conflict resolution.
When ahimsa is mastered, one attains the siddhi (power) of peacefulness, and whoever is in the presence of such a person feels peaceful. For example, if someone wants to confront you, as soon as they come near you, because your vibrations are totally peaceful, they drop down their own violence too. Your peacefulness and non-violence inspires others to be non-violent in your presence. This is so empowering. Imagine, if 50% of the world population starts practicing ahimsa, the rest of the 50% will automatically become non-violent!
Besides this highest benefit, at a personal level, practicing ahimsa –
- Exudes vibrations of love and peace
- Increases willpower and acceptance
- Generates mental fortitude
- Cultivates courage and confidence
- Helps to overcome anger, fears and insecurities
- Expands our sense of belonging
- Improves our relationships with the self and with others
- Increases assertiveness, patience and communication
- Reduces stress and helps to achieve peace of mind
In short, practicing ahimsa (non-violence) helps us create a positive, peaceful, and harmonious world for ourselves and others.
https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/non-violence-and-the-art-of-ahimsa
UNIVERSE 