Yamas: Observations on Ahimsa
Ahimsa, the first of the Yamas.
In my experience, youth provides many formative and informative years of growth. The mind is wide open, fresh, and ready to learn. There is plenty of self-discovery and lots of trouble and joy to be had. When I was in my very early 20's (almost thirty years ago), I was extremely lucky (it took some time to realize how lucky) to have a friend who practiced Buddhism. She and I met and worked together for years on an organic vegetable farm in northern Vermont, Riverberry Farm. She taught me meditation practices and one weekend she brought me to Karmê Chöling, a meditation center in Vermont where I was able to witness to many of the practices I had studied, but hadn't really integrated into my life. I participated in walking meditation, service to others, silence, and long sessions "sitting" in shamatha-vipashyana (back then even a five minute meditation was difficult for me. We were there to prepare space for buddhist nun, Pema Chödrön to come stay. I was star struck to say the least and Pema has been a major inspiration in my life ever since. In her teachings, she often speaks of Maitri which is the Buddhist word for "loving kindness" which I like to equate with Ahimsa.
The eight limbed path or Ashtanga yoga were arranged by the Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. The eight limbs are Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Ahimsa is the first of the Yamas, which are ethical disciplines/the yogic guidelines and the first limb on the eight limb path of yoga.
The word himsa translates into “harm" or "cruelty" and Ahimsa is the opposite, non-harming, so Ahimsa is the practice of non-violence, thoughtful and considerate behavior towards all living beings. The Jains follow ahimsa so closely that they can be seen using soft brooms to sweep an area clean of any insects before stepping forward.
This practice is variable, meaning one must do their best to speak and be kind to others, but this does not mean being subservient, or not standing up for oneself or others, you may even have to go to war! An example of this is if you were to witness an elderly person being attacked, you MUST try to stop the attack even if it does not align with your daily ahimsa practice.
You may choose to become a vegetarian or even a vegan so that you will not harm another living being. The Jains may be the greatest observers of ahimsa as the wear face masks to prevent inhalation of insects and sweep the space in front of where they walk as to not step on any insects.
What are some ways that you practice ahimsa? I urge you to journal on ahimsa, observing your practice over time and explore more deeply. Below are some other practices you might like to try…
Possible mantra: Lokah Samastah Sukino Bhavantu
“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”
Possible asana practice: Heart opening postures like backbends and forward folds
Possible mudra: Padma or Lotus, the symbol of purity
Pranayama practice: Square breath: Inhale, count to four, hold for four, exhale four, hold four, repeat
