Ahimsa - The place to start

Josie McKenlay 06:23 13/10/2016
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  • Mahatma Gandhi said: “Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.”

    This week someone said something to me which was deeply offensive, the kind of thing most of us would recognise as an insult and something you just don’t say to people. I was stunned, but it did get me thinking about the profound benefits of practicing yoga which go far beyond the physical.

    One of the things I love about yoga and what drew me to it 20 years ago is how complete it is, an ideal way in which to live your life as you go on a journey towards union with your highest self or creator, free from all suffering and at one with the universe (with a lot of dedicated practice!).

    For many, over the years, it has become a set of gymnastic contortions in the form of a workout in order to look and feel better, but asana is just one of the eight limbs along the way and without the other limbs, the benefits cannot be fully appreciated as a friend observed recently.

    For those who don’t know, the eight limbs are:

    1. The Five Yamas – non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, sensual moderation and non-possessiveness.

    2. The Five Niyamas – cleanliness (both external and internal), contentment, practices which bring about self-discipline, study of oneself and of the scriptures and surrender to the ultimate reality.

    3. Asana – postures to improve health.

    4. Pranyama – breath work which has obvious physical benefits, but can control the mind and emotions.

    5. Pratyahara – this is really the first stage of preparation for mediation where we try to draw our attention inwards, away from the external distractions.

    6. Dharana – now we try to focus the mind ready for meditation.

    7. Dhyana – uninterrupted flow of concentration, ultimately a state of being keenly aware without focus and with few or no thoughts at all.

    8. Samadhi – a transcendence of self, a connection with the universe and attainment of the “peace that passeth all understanding”.

    Ahimsa – non-violence or nonharming – is the very first Yama described in the Yoga Sutra. It means that we should cause no harm in thought, speech or action to any living being, including ourselves.

    We should try to practice unconditional positive regard for everyone and everything. What a beautiful dream!

    It’s something which many of us aspire to and which is easier when life is going well, but in times of worry or stress, our good intentions disappear and it’s easy to inadvertently do or say something that can be hurtful, particularly as a response to an unpleasant comment.

    Ahimsa also includes being non-judgmental, patient with ourselves and others, forgiving, being free of resentment and anything else that may harm someone in a physical or emotional way.

    Our yoga practice is an ideal way to confront our own inner demons with compassion, paving the way for transformation and a happier world. Om shanti shanti shanti. Namaste.

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