With debate, the Yoga Sutras were written around the beginning of the Common Era by Patanjali. Outlined in the Yoga Sutras is the Eight Limbed Yogic Path, the first limb being Yama(the Moral Restraints). The first Yama is ahimsa or non-violence, which is what this post will be focused on. I find it important to note that the Yama’s are not a set of rules to follow. Rather, they are ways and suggestions to deepen one’s practice. I have written on ways I view this Yama and what it means to me, though for everyone it will be different.
Ahimsa
There are an infinite amount of ways one can interpret ahimsa and non-violence. In my journal, I noted non-violence could include letting go of internal judgments of others, practicing authenticity, empathizing with yourself and others, and having an easy flow of thoughts. For me, judgment often comes with a surge of anger. I have noticed that if I interact with those judgments too much, I poison the feelings I have towards myself. I think it is somewhat violent towards oneself when we do not practice being authentic. This could mean feeling repressed to not share a deep version of ourselves with others around us(or when we are alone). This I feel is what I am practicing with the most current. Empathy has not only helped me to let go of violent thoughts but to also heal from them. When I am able to relate to situations and people around me, I feel that whatever mental block I may be facing is more tangible. Having an easy flow of thoughts is a potential result of letting go of violence in all forms.
Ways to Practice Non-Violence
I never shut up about journaling, but seeing my thoughts in written form makes me feel more understood. It is then easier to let go. It almost feels like talking to another person, or another version of myself, and that ties back to empathy. Often throughout the day, I will find myself wavering on a line of potentially spiraling into a series of toxic and violent thoughts about my wellbeing. It’s much easier said than done but I’ve been working on not fixating on such thoughts that come up, and reminding myself that it’s ok to not obsess over such ways of thinking.
Film by @camitakesphotosofherfriends
Outside Sources Used:
Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic by Darren Main
