Ahimsa

We see violence and anger in the news so frequently these days that we almost become numb to it, as though it's simply an inevitable part of life. And as I write this, I wonder to myself how such complacency has arisen, is there nothing we can do? If we look back in history, we have always had conflict and yet at the same time, schools of thought have been generated to support us in seeking an alternative path, one of peacefulness, harmony and respect for others.

One of these paths is found in the ancient text of the Sutras of Patanjali, originating in India some 2500 years ago. The text is approximately 195 aphorisms (sutras), which are short, terse phrases designed to be easy to memorize. They were originally an oral teaching passed from teacher to student until it is thought the sage Patanjali wrote them. This philosophical text provides the framework within my own life in two ways -  by offering a practical guideline of how to put yoga into daily action and as the foundational philosophy that I teach in yoga teacher trainings. The sutras are meant to be studied over time with their meaning unfolding as we deepen our practice.

One of the most useful parts of the sutras is found in the second of the four books which reveals the eight-faceted path of yoga or Ashtangha yoga. I have mentioned these in previous posts and we will be exploring the first two facets over the next few weeks. The first two are called the Yamas and Niyamas, or external and internal observances. Within each are five elements with Ahimsa being the first yama and it's a vital part of any yoga practitioner's awareness.

Often translated as non-violence or non-harming, Nischala Joy Devi in her book, "The Secret Power Of Yoga" a feminine translation of the sutras, describes Ahimsa as "compassion and reverence for all beings and all things". Rather than negating violence by placing a "non" in front of the word, the heart-centered translation enlivens us into an actual action. She describes one way of holding reverence as how we handle things in our environment, such as gently closing doors and drawers rather than slamming them shut, which in itself is a practice of mindfulness.

In relation to our bodies, what attitude we bring to the mat and beyond can reveal our practice of being kind to ourselves. Any time we under/over do, we can be acting violently against ourselves. Overeating/under-eating; over exercising or not exercising; over or under working. All of these can wreak havoc on our physical selves which affects our emotional states as well. What approach do you bring to the mat?

Having spent years in the fitness industry where much of the slogan was "no pain, no gain" and continues to be perpetuated through the idea of "burning, sculpting, ripping and tearing it up" goes against an act of self-love and compassion that we are trying to embrace in our practice of yoga. It's a tough motto to release as it's been deeply ingrained as being beneficial. I trained so much during a period of my life with a restricted diet that not only did I stop menstruating but ended up with a stress fracture in my rib.  Was this an act of self-love to simply look "good"? I've had my work in this area cut out for me and continue to turn to my practice of having reverence for my body, my temple that houses who I truly am.

And it goes beyond the body and into the whole of who we are. Think about the inner critic who offers destructive self-talk or the thought factory that spews out polluted beliefs which are largely untrue. When we become aware of what kindness to ourselves feels like in our being, we can often interrupt the cycle of subconscious self-destruction.  To quote Dorna Djenab in her article on ahimsa, 

"The essence of ahimsa is non-violence of our own heart. The violence we inflict on each other is only the outward manifestation of the war raging inside ourselves and it is only by stopping the war within that we can stop the war without."

So although at times it seems almost hopeless that violence in our lifetime will ever cease, we can begin to turn the tide by moving into our own hearts. Rather than treating ourselves harshly, we can begin to practice self-love, self-care, self-reverence and compassion. As we do this, it begins to ooze out of us and if we continue, it will impact everyone we come into contact with...all creatures, all things, everywhere.

There is a way. It can be found and practiced with these ancient teachings. Each and every time we step onto our mats or sit on a cushion to meditate, it is an act of self-love.

Compassion...begins with you.