Daily Yogi’s Guide to Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

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Daily Yogi branch of Yamas lower limb of yoga - Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha
Yamas – Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha

1st Limb of Yoga – Yamas (Interpersonal Ethics) #1: Ahimsa

The first 2 of the 8 Limbs of Yoga are the Yamas and Niyamas. There are 5 Yamas and 5 Niyamas, and we will take a full day on our Daily Yogi journey to focus on practicing each of the five.

Many of the translations from Sanskrit to English for the Yamas (YAH-muhs), or Interpersonal Ethics, are things you should NOT do. I consider many of the Yamas to be different embodiments of The Golden Rule – “do unto others as you would want done to you.” Of course we aim to not do the negative thing, but on the flip side we also should try to embody the positive opposite. Let’s take a closer look at the first of five Yamas – Ahimsa.

All about Ahimsa (Non-Harming)

What does Ahimsa mean? What is the translation of Ahimsa?

Ahimsa (Ah-HIM-sa) literally translates to English as “to not harm.” It is often translated as compassion or non-violence.

What is Ahimsa?

I believe Ahimsa is all about positivity and doing the right thing. To practice Ahimsa, we try to avoid harming others physically or with speech/thoughts, and to practice kindness and compassion. So, this means nurturing positive actions, words, and thoughts.

Is it possible to practice Ahimsa with my job and lifestyle?

Please note that perfect adherence to many yoga principles is not possible for most normal people. Technically, non-harming is impossible for many professions such as farmers harvesting crops or raising livestock, and physicians who may have bad outcomes despite the best training, efforts, and intentions. However, no one should give up a meaningful profession that may result in unintended harm, or fret that an accident or a lifestyle you grew up with (ie a non-vegan diet) will hinder you on your journey. Since you probably are not a monk, therefore perfect adherence is not expected of you. Regardless you should always do your best within reason to avoid harming others.

The main lesson of Ahimsa, in my opinion, is to do the right thing, be a good person, and cultivate positive thoughts, words, and actions. However, what that means to you and your lifestyle is personal, like much of the Yogi’s Journey.

How do I practice Ahimsa?

Ahimsa translates to non-violence or non-harming. The positive opposite of non-harming is kindness. Try to center your practice on either generating kindness or avoiding harm for others.

How to practice Ahimsa (Non-Harming)

How to practice Ahimsa (Non-Harming)

  1. Perform a random act of kindness

    It can be big or small. Bring home a favorite meal or treat for a loved one. Be extra friendly driving in the car, giving someone the right of way. Hold the door open for the person behind you, or help someone who is struggling to reach or carry something. Volunteer. Give to charity. Plant a tree. Whatever feels like the right way for you to actively practice kindness and compassion, or to do your small part to make someone else smile, or make the world better today than it was yesterday.

  2. Practice active non-violence.

    Make sure nothing you do today hurts any other person or living creature.

  3. Focus on kind thoughts, words, and actions.

    This is a lesson from the 8-fold path of Buddhism. We should strive to exercise non-harming with our thoughts, words and/or actions.
    For actions, you can avoid killing a bug you find in the house, and instead use a cup and paper or cardboard to carry outside. Perhaps drive compassionately if you have to drive today.
    Maybe refrain from letting your temper get the best of you and stay kind throughout a difficult interaction.. this will probably be non-harming in both words and actions. Keep in your mind and try to follow “if you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all.”
    Or, to practice Ahimsa with our thoughts, try to stay positive today with yourself, and notice and stop yourself from any negative self-talk or other criticism.

Asana Practices

Here are some Asanas (poses) and Asana series I feel embody the spirit of Ahimsa! Click the images to learn to how perform the pose or more about the Asana style!

Please note this section is currently under construction – please check back soon for more!

Marjaryasana - cat pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Marjaryasana – Cat Pose

Meditation Practices

Here are some of my favorite meditations I feel embody the spirit of Ahimsa!

Loving Kindness Guided Meditation.

Guided Meditation on Non-Violence.

Please note this section is currently under construction – please check back soon for more!

Ahimsa Quotes

  • purple epic alpine sunset in mountains - Ahimsa Quote: By embracing Ahimsa (non-violence) we create an environment without hostility. - Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
    By embracing Ahimsa (non-violence) we create an environment without hostility. – Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  • close-up bug on white daisies with green grass - Ahimsa Quote: Practicing Ahimsa (non-violence) creates an environment without hostility. - Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
    Practicing Ahimsa (non-violence) creates an environment without hostility. – Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  • beach shore and rocks with pink and purple sunset - ahimsa nonviolence Quote: Nonviolence is the only credible response to the violence we're seeing around the world. - Coretta Scott King
    Nonviolence is the only credible response to the violence we’re seeing around the world. – Coretta Scott King
  • orange and spotted yellow tropical flowers close up with green leaves and gray wooden post - ahimsa nonviolence kindness Quote: Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change - Bob Herrey
    Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change – Bob Herrey
  • orange and purple epic alpine sunset in mountains with shadowy pine trees - ahimsa nonviolence love Quote: That’s all nonviolence is – organized love. - Joan Baez
    That’s all nonviolence is – organized love. – Joan Baez
  • blue shadowy snow on rocky mountain cliff with bright sun coming through green pine trees - ahimsa kindness self-criticism self-kindness Quote: Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. - Louise L. Hay
    Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. – Louise L. Hay
  • bright blue partly cloudy sky over high plains with distant low mountains dry brown field grass and shrubs with patch of white snow - ahimsa spreading kindness Quote: Kindness is spreading sunshine into other people's lives regardless of the weather. - RAKtivist
    Kindness is spreading sunshine into other people’s lives regardless of the weather. – RAKtivist
  • bright blue sky with sunlit clouds and faint rainbow cloud - ahimsa kindness wisdom Quote: Kindness is the highest form of wisdom. - The Talmud
    Kindness is the highest form of wisdom. – The Talmud
  • snowy alpine valley snow covered dark green pine trees and snow capped mountain with bright blue sky with white streaking airplane contrails and pale white moon - mountains perspective what's important Quote: I like the mountains because they make me feel small. They help me sort out what’s important in life. - Mark Obmascik
    I like the mountains because they make me feel small. They help me sort out what’s important in life. – Mark Obmascik
  • snowy alpine valley snow covered dark green pine trees and snow capped mountain with bright blue sky with pink and bright blue sunrise and pale white moon - ahimsa kindness kind thoughts Quote: Only love, and not reason, yields kind thoughts. - Thomas Mann
    Only love, and not reason, yields kind thoughts. – Thomas Mann
  • alpine valley with monochromatic gray sky and lenticular clouds over glittering lake in the mountains - Ahimsa Quote: Practicing Ahimsa (non-harming) creates an environment without hostility. - Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
    Practicing Ahimsa (non-harming) creates an environment without hostility. – Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  • waves crashing on beach cool perspective pink sunset on sand with gentle tide - ahimsa nonviolence love Quote: Nonviolence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak… Nonviolence is hard work. It is the willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win. - Cesar Chavez
    Nonviolence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak… Nonviolence is hard work. It is the willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win. – Cesar Chavez
  • looking up at clear blue sky green leafy tree with branches cool perspective - ahimsa non-harming non-violence kindness Quote: A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. - Amelia Earhart
    A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. – Amelia Earhart
  • summer earth goddess atlanta botanical gardens impressive large garden topiary of woman with plant hair gazing at palm of her hand - ahimsa non-violence non-harming Quote: Without a direct action expression of it, nonviolence, to my mind, is meaningless. - Mahatma Gandhi
    Without a direct action expression of it, nonviolence, to my mind, is meaningless. – Mahatma Gandhi
  • looking up through purple flowers and green leaves at sky with cool perspective - ahimsa non-harming non-violence kindness Quote - When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. - The 14th Dalai Lama
    When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. – The 14th Dalai Lama
  • looking up from road into sunlit clouds in sky with cool perspective - ahimsa non-harming non-violence kindness Quote: The more we practice nonviolence in our words, thoughts and actions the more peaceful will be our inner state. - Amit Ray
    The more we practice nonviolence in our words, thoughts and actions the more peaceful will be our inner state. – Amit Ray
  • close-up white flower with fuzzy background of green grass and leaves and white lattice - ahimsa nonviolence kindness Quote: Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. - 14th Dalai Lama
    Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. – 14th Dalai Lama
  • cool perspective looking up at bright green leaves of a tree with light gray white trunk and branches - ahimsa nonviolence kindness Quote: No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop
    No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. – Aesop
  • cool perspective close-up of bright green leafy tree branches - ahimsa nonviolence nonharming harm Quote: If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them. - Dalai Lama
    If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them. – Dalai Lama
  • chichen itza mexico aztec temple across green lawn under partly cloudy sky - ahimsa nonviolence kindness Quote: Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. - Franklin D. Roosevelt
    Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. – Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • california beach with palm trees and families wading in the bay - ahimsa nonviolence nonharming harm Quote: Nonviolence is essentially based on recognizing the humanity in every one one of us. - Grace Lee Boggs
    Nonviolence is essentially based on recognizing the humanity in every one one of us. – Grace Lee Boggs
  • cool shot of alpine mountain valley with snowy pine trees under cloudy blue sky - ahimsa nonviolence kindness Quote: A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve. - Joseph Joubert
    A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve. – Joseph Joubert
  • cool shot of cloudy alpine sunset with bright sun setting behind mountains - ahimsa nonviolence nonharming harm Quote: Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him. - Martin Luther King Jr.
    Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him. – Martin Luther King Jr.
  • cool shot of snow covered alpine mountain valley with darkened pine trees under sunlit cloudy sky - ahimsa nonviolence kindness nice to yourself Quote: Be nice to yourself. It’s hard to be happy when someone is always mean to you all the time. - Christine Arylo
    Be nice to yourself. It’s hard to be happy when someone is always mean to you all the time. – Christine Arylo
  • cool perspective bare aspen trees and dark green pine trees in snowy alpine landscape under cloudy gray sky - ahimsa nonviolence kindness Quote: Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver. - Barbara De Angelis
    Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver. – Barbara De Angelis
  • cute dark squirrel on snowy fence post among dark green pine trees in snowy alpine landscape - ahimsa nonviolence kindness Quote: I’m a big believer in acts of kindness, no matter how small. - Liam Neeson
    I’m a big believer in acts of kindness, no matter how small. – Liam Neeson
  • cool shot of twilight in light blue clear sky with pale moon over snowy alpine mountain landscape with darkened pine trees - ahimsa nonviolence kindness environmentalism conservation Quote: The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share. - Lady Bird Johnson
    The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share. – Lady Bird Johnson
  • cool perspective dark green pine trees covered with snow in snowy alpine landscape - ahimsa nonviolence kindness positivity power of positive thinking Quote: Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better. - Harvey Mackay
    Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better. – Harvey Mackay
  • cool perspective close-up modern concrete sculpture from decordova sculpture garden - ahimsa nonviolence kindness Quote: Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. - Bob Kerry
    Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. – Bob Kerry
  • cool shot of cloudy alpine sunset with bright orange sun setting behind purple gray clouds and darkened mountains - ahimsa nonviolence nonharming harm Quote: Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages. - Thomas A. Edison
    Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages. – Thomas A. Edison
  • close-up cool perspective of colorful van goh landscape painting projection from immersive exhibition - ahimsa nonviolence kindness Quote: What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness? - Jean-Jacques Rousseau
    What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness? – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
  • cool shot looking up at branches of pine tree - ahimsa nonviolence nonharming peace Quote: Peace brings with it so many positive emotions that it is worth aiming for in all circumstances. - Estella Eliot
    Peace brings with it so many positive emotions that it is worth aiming for in all circumstances. – Estella Eliot

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