Ahimsa

Namaste!

Just sharing my thoughts on one aspect of Ashtanga Yoga.

Ahimsa is under the first limb of Ashtanga Yoga. It means non-violence or non-injurious. Non violence can be physical, verbal, or mental.

How do we apply that to yoga? When we practise an asana (posture), we have to be present and aware of our bodies. Our bodies are ever changing and never is there one practice the same as the previous. When we practise each asana with full awareness of our bodies in the moment without judgement or criticism, it is also practising non violence physically. To help us do that, we could use pranayama (breath regulation) as we practise an asana. This will keep us safe from injuries due to over-stretching. It is being compassionate and kind to our body so that we could reap the maximum benefits from each asana or its variation. This does not mean we do not try our best. It is doing our best with the constant feedback from our body so that we do not tip over to aggression and injure ourselves. It is a balance of relaxation and challenge in an asana.

As we practise this physical aspect of ahimsa on the mat, we can also extend its lessons to our daily lives. For instance, if we notice that we are binge eating or drinking excessively due to emotional needs/ mental disturbance or stress, we can identify the source of the disturbance and try to address it in a healthier way without inflicting more violence to our bodies.

On a daily basis, we can also practise ahimsa on a verbal level, by expressing kind words/ actions to our family, loved ones, friends, colleagues or another human being. It is not easy when we are stressed, unwell, sleep deprived and/or emotionally disturbed. At the mental level, it is even more difficult as we are all human beings and are bound to experience ups and downs. Just as everything is impermanent, is it worthwhile to dwell too much and too long into any one event? 

Forgiveness is another expression of ahimsa to ourselves and others. 

Hari Om!   :)