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AHIMSA
A Principle of Mindful Yoga Practices
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of Yoga. It is through
self-awareness that we learn to respect and honor ourselves, and
to respond to our own needs in compassionate and non-harming
ways. From mindful mind-body centered yoga practices we access
our inner healing capacity for health and well being, personal growth
and higher consciousness. We develop life skills in honoring and
allowing others to meet their own needs and be who they are within
the same compassionate foundation of self-acceptance and
self-love.
The term Ahimsa comes from the Yamas and Niyamas. The Yamas
and Niyamas identify a code of conduct and comprise the first two
limbs of the eight limb system of Yoga as described in Pantanjali’s
Yoga Sutras. This traditional text, written about 2000 years ago, is
widely considered the first and foremost definition of Yoga. Each
limb of Patanjali’s system of Yoga is a necessary component for the
attainment of a happy and peaceful life. Furthermore, the success of
each limb is dependent on the preceding limb. The eight limbs
of Yoga are:
- Yama : Universal principles we all share
Niyama : Personal observances
Asanas : yoga postures
Pranayama : Breathing exercises, and control of prana (energy)
Pratyahara : Control of the senses
Dharana : Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual
awareness
Dhyana : Devotion, Meditation on the Divine
Samadhi : Union with the Divine (enlightenment)
Ahimsa is the first Yama. Literally is means:
a = without; himsa = harm
without harm
It is identified as the the first principle upon which the success of all
further practices of yoga are dependent. One cannot have physical
health (through doing postures) without also behaving towards ones
self and others in a non-harming way.
Without harm means to behave and be in the world in a way that
will not cause harm to yourself nor to any other living creature.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
This first principle of Yoga was made famous by Mahatma Ghanda
through his practice of nonviolence. This quote from Mahatma
Ghandi is often cited to bring awareness to the role that we each
have in creating a peaceful world. We all want to be treated with
respect and without harm.
In order to do so, one must first start with developing a relationship
to one’s self that is non-harmful. How does one do this?
The answer in the sutras is by getting in touch with your true nature.
Mindful mind-body yoga practices focus on self-awareness. Rather
than require you to fit into a prescribed set techniques, you will be
guided and supported in connecting with and exploring your own
relationship to yoga so that it arrives from your authentic, true self.
Written by Dianne Mekelburg
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