Ahimsa

The main goal of yoga, believe it or not, isn't to obtain a great six pack or a bulging set of biceps. The aim of yoga is to facilitate moving inward where we can get to know our true inner nature. This is accomplished through meditation which requires that the body be comfortable and the mind be still. Quieting the mind and becoming still are much harder than one might think.

In progressing toward a more deepened meditational experience, the fluctuations of the mind must become stilled. This requires practice and concentration. Thoughts of regret or violence render this endeavor impossible, so yogic philosophy makes lifestyle suggestions so that as little as possible is able to remove your attention from the focus of moving inward.

Ahimsa is a step taken toward this lifestyle. It means non-violence, and by violence this can be toward the self or others. It might refer to a physically violent act but violence can take many forms. Saying hurtful things to another, taking advantage of someone or even abusing your own body are also forms of violence. Even mean thoughts can haunt you as your subconscious knows no difference between thoughts and real actions.

This all may all sound rather stiff and rigid but it really isn't. Being non-violent also means not beating yourself up if you didn't act as you wish you had. Take note; know that you did your best at that moment and then move on to the next having gained experience and knowledge that will allow a more skillful behavior to emerge when next the 'situation' arises.

Namaste