The Eight Limb Path of Sage Patanjali Yoga
“Yoga is not a work-out; it is a work-in.”
In our last article, we delved into the exploration of the 8 limbs of Patanjali Yog Sutra (PYS). Today, we will explore more deeply into the very first limb, Yamas - Moral and Ethical guidelines. Yamas hold a foundational position in Yoga practices.
The very first, and often considered the most important, Yama is ‘Ahimsa,’ which means ‘Non-violence’ or ‘non-harming’ (‘Himsa’ = ‘hurt’ and ‘a’ = ‘not’). This principle was imparted by Patanjali Muni 2000 years ago.
We commonly understand Ahimsa as refraining from being violent in our thoughts, words, and actions, but its significance goes far beyond that. How do we interpret Ahimsa positively, considering its technical negative connotation? According to my teacher, it is about Love and Understanding. Loving thoughts trigger the release of dopamine (the 'feel-good,' 'relaxation' chemical) in the body, strengthening the immune system and potentially aiding in healing. By cultivating feelings of love, we can diminish harmful thoughts, recognizing that these negative thoughts have more detrimental effects on us than on others, as they release toxic chemicals in our bodies. Practicing Ahimsa becomes a form of self-help; by empathizing and understanding the people and situations around us, we reduce reactivity and learn to respond responsibly.
How can Ahimsa be practiced in our lives?
Practice Ahimsa in Diet: Take care of your physical body through the right diet and Yoga practices, without making excuses. Despite having time for various aspects of life, we often relegate diet and exercise to the bottom of the list.
Ahimsa in Asana Practice: Avoid comparing your pose with others during Asana practice. Embrace your uniqueness, accepting yourself wholly with your positive and negative qualities.
Ahimsa in Thoughts: Care for your mental health by establishing proper boundaries and being mindful of your thoughts. Refrain from allowing others to hurt you or burden you with their mental challenges. Avoid engaging in gossip and master the art of communication and expression without causing harm.
Dedicated yoga practices significantly contribute to following Ahimsa by enhancing awareness in every aspect of life, including self, family, friends, and colleagues. I strongly encourage you to initiate or deepen your daily yoga practice, as it is a beautiful science and art. From personal experience, I have encountered numerous falls, and Yoga has consistently lifted me, providing the strength to walk again, even stronger. The beauty of the yoga practice is that you only need yourself and your mat.
Home Practice:
Before bedtime, reflect on the film of your entire day. Identify five things you are grateful for and one thing you could have done differently. Incorporate this practice into your family sharing time; it fosters shared learning and mutual growth.Give it a try and let me know.
Joke of the day: What did the student say when her yoga teacher asked her to touch her knees with her nose? She thought it was a bit of a stretch."
By Ami Shah (Devpriya Yoga - Certified Yoga Instructor for Children and Adults)
Contact Info: ami@devpriyayoga.com
