Ahimsa
“Human kindness can be found in all groups, even those which as a whole it would be easy to condemn.”
This week I've been reflecting on ahimsa. The first of the Yamas.
Patanjali's sutra 2.35 states that in the presence of a person firmly established in ahimsa all hostilities cease. Ahimsa translates as non violence or not causing pain/harm. An interpretation could be showing compassion or kindness to self and others.
To be able to practice ahimsa outwardly we first have to look inwardly. I've been reflecting this week on how I speak to myself. I am sometimes shocked by my harsh inner critic.
What do I say to myself when I catch a first glimpse of myself in the mirror in the morning, during asana practice when I find a pose difficult, at work when I'm overwhelmed, during parenting fails, during relationship difficulties? We often judge ourselves harshly and speak unkindly to ourselves.
To be able to practice compassion with others we could improve our self compassion skills first. Watch your inner voice. Speak to yourself like you might encourage your best friend or your child. Be kind.
Once we learn how to have kind thoughts, then kind words and deeds can follow.
Living in harmony with nature as much as possible and being mindful of our consumption of food, retail and media all are variations on the practice of ahimsa.
Consider what we post on social media. Consider how we might judge or compare ourselves to others on social media.
How do we perceive those with opposing beliefs to us? In this time of polarisation in politics and in society the practice of ahimsa along with the other Yamas may open doors to improved connection and communication.
References and resources:
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali , Translation and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, 2019
-The Heart of Yoga, Developing a Personal Practice, T.K.V Desikachar, 1995
-Threads of Yoga, Pamela Seelig, 2021
