Word of the day – Ahimsa

Ahimsa is the first of 5 Yamas, or universal practices of Patanjali’s eightfold path of yoga and deals with one’s ethical standards and sense of integrity. Ahimsa focuses in on our behaviour and how we conduct ourselves in life. Much like the expression, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, this yama focuses on our behaviours and how we conduct ourselves off the yoga mat. There is a component that is integrated into practice time as well.

Ahimsa – Compassion for all living things

The word ahimsa translated, literally means not to injure or show cruelty to any creature or any person in any way. It is very common to hear the word, Ahimsa in conjunction with eating meat, however, it is more broad than that. It is also more than a lack of violence towards the self as adapted in yoga. We often, as teachers, try to steer students into navigating postures with ahimsa, following safe alignment and range of motion.

Ahimsa also means kindness, friendliness, and thoughtful, compassionate consideration of other people and things. Giving back the library book on time and in good condition you borrow for example.

The word implies doing our best to extend a friendly spirit. Today I was given a really warm welcome at Base gym NJ and it made me reflect on this. I am subbing at 9:00 am and surely the students were expecting another teacher, but they opened up to the Yapana® style and to me, so – thank you for showing me such kind welcoming!