Ahimsa non-harming

Ahimsa is the ancient Indian ethical principle of non-violence, non-injury, and harmlessness towards all living beings, deeply rooted in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Meaning "not to cause pain" (derived from a for "not" and himsa for "injury"), it extends beyond physical acts to include compassion in thought and speech. 

Key aspects of Ahimsa include:

• Core Virtue: It is the first of the Yamas (restraints) in the eight limbs of yoga, emphasizing a life of love, peace, and harmlessness.

• Threefold Application: Ahimsa is practiced in actions (no harm to creatures), speech (no harsh words), and thoughts (no malicious intentions).

• Universal Scope: It demands respect for all life, from humans to the smallest bacteria.

• Modern Application: Mahatma Gandhi used Ahimsa as a powerful, non-violent tool for social and political change, fighting injustice without violence.

• Self-Compassion: It also involves being kind to oneself, avoiding self-destructive behaviours or thoughts. 

  
  

Practicing Ahimsa leads to a lifestyle of kindness, reducing harm in daily life, such as in food choices, environmental care, and interpersonal relationships.

In our yoga practice, we can aim to calm that inner voice that tells us to stretch further or deeper when it feels uncomfortable to do so. Knowing that all of our bodies are different we don't need to berate ourselves for not being able to bend more deeply or bring a limb higher. Instead, let us practice praising the bodies that we have and the amazing things that they do and congratulating ourselves for showing up!

#ahimsa #selfcare #selflove #yamas #bekind