So you can do a handstand - now what?
The "Yamas & Niyamas" are a foundational part of the yoga tradition and philosophy that we, as practitioners, must start to consider as a key element in the "living" of our yoga.
The word "Yama' is translated as "restraints" which can be considered as guidelines, ethical observances and disciplines that help direct us in our lives. They are practical teachings that help us to understand our experiences and help pave the way to future experiences and how ultimately to create a life that fulfills and sustains us.
Ahimsa is the first Yama and the cornerstone of all yogic thought, sensibility and practice. The word Ahimsa translates as "non-violence" and "non-harming". At the root of this moral code is not simply the absence of these concepts but in the cultivation of kindness, friendliness, and thoughtful consideration of other people and things.
"Killing and doing physical harm are grosser forms of violence that can be easily seen and understood. However, there are many subtler implications as well. When we feel hurried, afraid, powerless, out of balance and harsh with ourselves, we may find ourselves speaking words of unkindness or even exploding in a violent outburst. As our awareness of these nuances grows, we learn that our ability to be non-violent to others is directly related to our ability to be non-violent within ourselves. Our inner strength and character determine our ability to be a person of peace at home and in the world." 1.
The roots of vegetarianism in the yogic culture stem from the principle of Ahimsa as well. However, although it implies that we eat no living thing, it does not mean we should not defend ourselves or respect the practice of "non-harming" as it pertains to self-care.
Fundamentally practicing Ahimsa is to adopt a considered attitude, exercise judgement, be tolerant & make conscious choices in every situation.
The spirit of Ahimsa is to combat cruelty, injustice and violence in favor of honoring & cultivating kindness toward ourselves, others and the earth at large.
In this harsh world we live in, is there anything more important we need to practice right now?