Yoga of Maharishi Patanjali - The Vow of Ahimsa
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By :
Paul M. Jerard Jr.
Submitted
2008-11-26 19:07:54 |
What is ahimsa? In the Yoga Sutras, Ahimsa is the first of the contemporary Yamas (restraints). Quite often, you hear the definition: "non-harming" is the meaning of Ahimsa. You may also hear "non-killing" or "non-violence" applied to the meaning of this demanding Yama.
How can I say this is a demanding Yama? Consider this: Whether you think humankind is inherently good, or bad, non-harming is very difficult. Many people drive automobiles. Do drivers always show respect, courtesy, kindness, compassion, and tolerance to each other?
Do pedestrians thank drivers for being courteous? How often do you see pedestrians gamble with their lives? How often do you see drivers do the same? How often do you see demonstrations of "road rage?"
So far, we have only contemplated driving with mutual respect for other humans. Unfortunately, some people have no regard for animals. Most people will stop for animals that cross the street. Some people do not respect animals at all.
How can you start practicing Ahimsa? Whether you drive an automobile, or not, you still co-exist with the rest of us. If you start with courtesy, respect, and acts of loving kindness, you will have made a "great leap forward."
How long should you keep helping others, show compassion, and be courteous? Ahimsa is a lifestyle - it is not a fad diet. As Yoga practitioners, we should make it a point to be kind for the rest of our lives. This is more challenging and more important than performing a difficult asana.
You can be a vegetarian, Yoga teacher, and "go green," but if you intentionally harm others, this is not a good example of a Yogic lifestyle. In the Yoga Sutras, Yama is the first limb mentioned by Maharishi Patanjali. If we cannot be kind to each other, we have missed the point of Yoga practice.
When we practice Yoga, it is important to be aware of ourselves, but it is important to respect the space of everyone. If we take our practice to higher levels, we must leave our egos behind. Ahimsa is a vow we should make and a duty we should perform.
If the believers of all the world's religions practiced this, there would hardly be any conflicts. Showing kindness to others is a habit, which will bring world peace. For this reason alone, Ahimsa is a practice which should be practiced by every Yoga practitioner, at all times. The contribution of loving kindness, to a world that needs it, should be our legacy.
Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications |
Author Resource:-
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html
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