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Part of the required homework for the Dharma YTT training, we had to write about the Yamas. There are five Yamas (guidelines or ethical restraints / rules) these are - Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy and fidelity) and Aparigraha (non coveting). I wrote about Ahimsa because I understood what it meant in a new way.
Ahimsa in particular means "non-violence" and for a long time I understood it meaning -Not killing or being a vegetarian. I remember reading in Light on Life by Iyengar, he wrote - “Blood-thirsty tyrants may be vegetarians, but violence is a state of mind, not of diet.” I'm understanding that Ahimsa is indeed "non-violence" but it is not restricted to our outward behavior or how we treat others. Ahimsa is also non-violence in your thoughts, words and deeds or actions toward others and yourself. This can be a very difficult practice for many especially when it comes to the self and our thoughts. We need to understand first what it means to be non-violent in thoughts/words/actions and then apply this to ourselves, others and our daily activities. It can be hard to break old patterns and behaviors, but with practice and constantly reminding ourselves (as Dharma Mittra says) to - "See yourself in others." We can take each day as it comes and continue to change our behaviors.
I've found that having a regular yoga and pranayama (breathing techniques) practice has helped me become more of an observer of my thoughts and actions. I'm finding that rather than reacting quickly to situations or events, I have that split second of quiet before I respond. I'm also finding I'm a little more gentle with myself. Its almost as if Ahimsa is one of the benefits of regular yoga practice rather than a rule or guideline. Constant practice in anything will change patterns and it needs to be consistent and done with your heart. Try bringing the practice of Ahimsa into your life, beginning with yourself.
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