Ahimsa

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

For the next few weeks in class we will be reviewing the Eight Limbs of Yoga.  Week one we are reviewing Ahimsa.

Described in the second chapter of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs of Yoga are set fourth as the means, or the path towards the “quest of the soul.”  The eight limbs are as follows:

Yama – universal moral commandments

Niyama – self- purification by discipline

Asana – posture

Pranayama – rhythmic control of the breath

Pratyahara – refinement of the senses

Dharana – concentration

Dhyana – meditation

Samadhi – a state of super-consciousness or absorption

      

Most of us westerners think of Yoga as just the physical postures or asana.  The breadth of yoga is really in the practice of all of the eight limbs of yoga starting with Yama.

There are five Yamas.  The Yamas establish the ethical disciplines – the great commandments which transcend creed, country, age and time.  These practices help the aspirant establish respect for others, themselves and their surroundings.  

The first Yama is Ahimsa.  Ahimsa, translated as non-violence or non-harming, is the first step on the path of yoga and is said to be the foundation from which all other choices evolve. When we commit to practicing ahimsa, we commit to not causing harm to others and to ourselves. As a result, we momentarily stop the cycle of harm and suffering that leads to more harm and suffering.

B.K.S. Iyengar tells us that violence comes from fear. And, to change the habitual approach of harming, we have to free ourselves from fear. Nations war from fear of attack. Husbands and wives argue from fear that love can be lost. And as individuals, we assault ourselves with harmful diets, harmful activities, and self-deprecation out of fear that we will not be accepted or loved.

The yogini, grounded in the practice of ahimsa, acts from a place of love and respect for all beings, including herself. This begins a new cycle of love and respect instead of harm and pain.

The homework is to explore how the practice of Ahimsa plays out in all areas of your life.  Beyond considering how you treat others consider how you treat yourself and your surroundings.  Also consider what it means to practice Ahimsa in your asana practice. 

References:

Light on Yoga, Light on the Yoga Sutras, and The Tree of Yoga all by BKS Iyengar

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga

417 NE Birch St., Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994

www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003