Ahimsa
“I am praying for the light that will dispel the darkness. Let those who have living faith in non-violence, join me in prayer.”
- M.K. Gandhi
The Yamas and Niyamas of the Yoga philosophy are basically similar to the Ten Commandments in; *Judaism, Christianity, and Islam religions. There are always ten rules one must abide by for true happiness. Yama equals moral restraints and Niyama equals observances. The Yamas and Niyamas are part of the Yogis path and are guidelines for living found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
*Reference: http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_10ci.htm
Ahimsa is the first Yama of the yoga philosophy, which means non-violence, or non-harming. The word Ahimsa breaks down as, a = not and himsa = violent. Taking care of oneself is the best way to follow Ahimsa. The hardest part is realizing that there is no black, white, or perfection. We are all serving this world and our prana (energy force) in our own unique ways. A dear friend once said to me;
“You must do esteem-able things in order to have a self-esteem.”
The best way to describe Ahimsa is to live in peace with yourself, others, and the world around you. Do your karma you were sent here to do. If you fuck up, ah well, that’s life; and it means you’re alive. Always walk in your true path and harm no one, or nothing, including yourself on the journey. This very moment is the path:)
Ahimsa leads me to the Fourth Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz: “Always Do Your Best.”
Meditation in nature.
Shanti, Heidi