As we approach the end of summer and start getting back into our usual routines, many of us are thinking about returning to yoga classes, starting a new practice, or simply making a little more time for ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I thought this would be the perfect moment to explore the meaning of Ahimsa<\/strong>, especially as it is the name of the yoga studio where most of my classes take place in Estancarbon. But what exactly does Ahimsa<\/em> mean, and what does it have to do with yoga?<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we think of yoga, we often think of the physical postures \u2013 the asanas<\/em> \u2013 but yoga is so much more than what happens on the mat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Le Yoga Sutras of Patanjali<\/strong> are one of the foundational texts of yoga philosophy. They describe what is known as the Eight Limbs of Yoga<\/strong>, with each limb offering guidance for our journey of yoga, both on and off the mat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first limb is made up of the Yamas<\/strong>. These can be understood as ethical principles or guidelines for how we relate to ourselves, to other people and to the world around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are five Yamas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the first of these is Ahimsa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The word Ahimsa<\/em> is usually translated as non-violence<\/strong> or, perhaps more meaningfully, non-harming<\/strong>. Himsa<\/em> means harm or violence, while the prefix a-<\/em> means \"not\". But Ahimsa is about much more than simply not physically hurting another person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It invites us to become aware of the ways in which we can cause harm \u2013 through our actions, our words, our thoughts and even the way we treat ourselves. It can mean choosing kindness over anger, compassion over judgement and understanding over criticism. It also encourages us to consider how our choices affect other living beings and the natural world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patanjali expresses the power of Ahimsa beautifully in Sutra 2.35:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn the presence of one firmly established in non-violence, all hostilities cease.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n What a beautiful idea \u2013 that when we cultivate peace within ourselves, it can influence the people and environment around us. One of the best-known examples of Ahimsa in modern history is Mahatma Gandhi<\/strong>, who made non-violence one of the central principles of his life and work. But we don't need to change the world on a huge scale to practise Ahimsa. Sometimes it starts with something much simpler: the way we speak to ourselves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you're completely new to yoga or have been practising for years, it's very easy to become frustrated with our physical practice. Maybe our body isn't as flexible as we'd like. Maybe we can't hold a pose for as long as someone else. Perhaps we're comparing ourselves with the person on the mat next to us \u2013 or with the version of ourselves we were six months ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where Ahimsa can become a beautiful part of our practice. Non-harming means learning to listen to our bodies rather than fighting against them<\/strong>. Of course, yoga can challenge us. We can explore our edges, build strength and gradually develop greater flexibility. But there is a difference between challenging ourselves and pushing ourselves into pain. And really, who cares if you can put your leg behind your head or hold a handstand for five minutes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoga isn't a competition. By respecting our boundaries and listening to what our body needs today, our practice becomes more sustainable \u2013 and we begin to learn something much more valuable: how to accept ourselves exactly as we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we let go of the idea of what we should<\/em> be able to do, and stop criticising our bodies for what they can't do, something changes. The body stops becoming an obstacle and starts becoming a pathway to greater awareness and freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A question I often hear is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo I have to become vegetarian or vegan because I'm practising yoga?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It's an interesting question, particularly when we consider that Ahimsa encourages us to avoid causing harm to other living beings. For some people, this naturally leads towards vegetarianism or veganism. For others, changing their diet completely may not feel right or may not be practical. As with so many aspects of yoga, I believe there is room for awareness, balance and personal choice. Perhaps you could eat less meat. Try a few more vegetarian or vegan meals each week. Choose locally produced or organic food where possible. Support companies that care about the environment and their workers. Buy fair-trade products.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Yoga Sutras \u2013 the foundations of yoga<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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So, what is Ahimsa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Three ways to bring more Ahimsa into your life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Ahimsa on the yoga mat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Ahimsa and what we eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n