by Ricardo Allen

Ahimsā embraces the ethical principle of not causing harm to other living things. This ancient concept originated in the Vedas— described as “the first outpourings of the human mind, the glow of poetry, the rapture of nature’s loveliness and mystery”. Himsā translates from Sanskrit as harming or violence, the ‘a’ means ‘not’, but more than a negative command of nonviolence, ahimsā embraces the positive meaning of love. This love encircles all of creation, for the yogi believes that every creature exists for its own reasons without violation, manipulation, or interference. Ahimsā has also been related to the notion that any thought, word or action has karmic consequences in which the events which happen after a person's deeds, words or thoughts may be considered natural results—the spiritual principle of cause and effect.

Ahimsā is the foundational precept of yoga philosophy and a key virtue in the Indian religions of Jainism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. From the epic story, The Mahabharata, this passage emphasizes the essential importance of ahimsā;

Ahimsā is the highest dharma, ahimsā is the highest self-control,
Ahimsā is the greatest gift, ahimsā is the best practice,
Ahimsā is the highest sacrifice, ahimsā is the finest strength,
Ahimsā is the greatest friend, ahimsā is the greatest happiness,
Ahimsā is the highest truth, and ahimsā is the greatest teaching

As yogis, we learn about ahimsā from the Classical text of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras as the first of five observances and behaviours which regulate how we relate to others and our environment. These behaviours are known as Yamas, the first limb on the eight limb path in which the yogi willingly observes the great principled vow (mahavrata), seeking to uphold the ideals of harmony and balance. The Yoga Sutras comprise of 195 aphorisms, discussing and leading to the realization of higher consciousness.

Knowing that higher consciousness is born out of conscience, we become more aware of our thoughts, words, and actions, linking spiritual awareness with ethical awareness. Therefore, ahimsā requires great care to prevent the yogi from knowingly or unknowingly being the cause of injury to any living soul.

Namaste,

Ricardo

Rob is one of our incredible instructors at Yoga Grace! He shares weekly Vinyasa classes on Sundays at 8 am.