Thoughts about Ahimsa (non-violence)

By Andy Roughton

Yoga philosophy should be the underpinning of all our yogic practices and the very first concept to understand is that of ahimsa or non-violence. If Ghandi can bring about the down-fall of the British rule of India by using just the first two of these philosophical concepts, ahimsa and satya or truth, then imagine what there application can do for you!

First of all we need to know what violence is so that we can identify it in its more obvious and also it’s more subtle manifestations. Violence is described by many as an absence of love and is brought about by greed, anger and delusion.

“It is not non-violence if we merely love those that love us. It is non-violence only when we love those that hate us.” (Ghandi: In my own words)

The very causes of violence may be hidden within ourselves waiting to be “dumped” on someone else. We need to analyse, investigate, enquire and introspect before we act as it is possible that one person’s non-violence could be violence for another. Ahimsa is not standing back, being passive and letting things happen.

“Non-violence and cowardice go ill together. I can imagine a fully armed man to be at heart a coward. Possession of arms implies an element of fear, if not cowardice. But true non-violence is an impossibility without the possession of unadulterated fearlessness.” (Ghandi: In my own words)

The principle of non-violence should be applied at every level including our asana (posture) practice. If, for example, you are performing Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and you are over-stretching on the right side of your chest and under-stretching on the left side, both of these actions can be seen as a form of violence.

So, when you next come to stand on your yoga mat remember to bring the concept of non-violence and all of it meanings with you.