Ahimsa (non-violence) For Those We Love
We are back for another week of “remembering ahimsa.” Last week we talked about ahimsa being the first of yama (social control) of the 8 limbs of yoga of Patanjali’s yoga sutras. This week I thought we would talk about how we could remember ahimsa for those that are closest to us. Sometimes just thinking about our intentions behind our words and actions to others is really important. Especially those that we know well, love, and have care and compassion for. There are times that we unknowingly can “cause pain” through our words and actions. Taking time to remember that our way of relating to other people is really impactful. There are times when our actions can cause pain unknowingly.
I like this passage: “the yogis of the past practiced ahimsa as part of their spiritual development. Practicing ahimsa takes courage and skill and challenges us on both a physical and mental level. Refraining from thoughts and words that can cause pain to others and refraining from retaliating when insulted or unjustly criticized are some examples of ahimsa.” - from The Art of Living article What is Ahimsa?
“If you are established in non-violence, in your very presence, violence and hostilities or aggression will be dropped by others” (Maharishi Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.35).
So as much as we can, trying to not initiate or start the pain cycle that is then picked up by others around us. Another passage that I love from The Art of Living article: “When ahimsa is mastered, one attains the siddhi (power) of peacefulness, and whoever is in the presence of such a person feels peaceful. For example, if someone wants to confront you, as soon as they come near you, because your vibrations are totally peaceful, they drop down their own violence too. Your peacefulness and non-violence inspires others to be non-violent in your presence. This is so empowering. Imagine, if 50% of the world population starts practicing ahimsa, the rest of the 50% will automatically become non-violent!”
Ahimsa is a superpower! Can you imagine that if 50% of us practiced ahimsa, that then the other 50% would also find it as well? Hope that’s helpful. See if you can remember ahimsa (not causing pain) for those you love this week by watching your words, actions, and intentions.
Namaste
