09.07.09
Yamas, Niyamas – Ahimsa
In yoga philosophy there are the 10 “committments” – the 1st 5 are the Yamas or restraints. The 2nd 5 are the Niyamas or observations.
We start with “ahimsa.” Ahimsa or non-violence is the 1st and most important one of all. (Think Gandhi.) Certain sects in India aspire to perfect ahimsa for their spiritual practice. They go so far as to avoid stepping on insects and wearing masks to avoid breathing in bugs. They won’t eat any kind of vegetable or fruit that kills the whole plant, like a carrot, but will eat berries, nuts and the like.
So, let’s practice this a bit more pragmatically – we don’t kill or hit people so we’re doing pretty good so far with physical non-violence. Applying it to yoga class – we don’t hurt ourselves.
Next step – verbal non-violence. This includes abusive words, insults, angry speech, and bad advice. We try to curb hurtful words toward others (gossip, too) and also not put ourselves down. (How do you react when you are given a compliment?) We learn to speak softly, gently, and wisely.
Third step – mental non-violence. This is where we control our thoughts about others and ourselves – no harmful thoughts going to someone and no demeaning thoughts about ourselves. Strike a nerve? Me, too. We are most often our own worst critic, but the more we can lighten up about ourselves the easier it is to lighten up with others. Like Louise Hay says, it’s just a thought and thoughts can be changed.
Ahimsa starts with ourselves.
