Yamas – Ahimsa (Non-harming / Reverence)

Introduction

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Context

• Sutra 2.35 and the first yama

Translations

• In the presence of one firmly established in non-violence, all hostilities cease. (Sri Swami Satchidananda, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali)
• If you make it a way of life never to hurt others, then in your presence all conflict comes to an end. (Geshe Michael Roach, The Essential Yoga Sutra)

Heart of the Teaching

All other aspects of yama are there so that the yogi will be a harmless person.” – Srivatsa Ramaswami 

• Ahimsa is the social restraint or yama that teaches non-harming, non-violence, non-killing, compassion, reverence, love.
• It is often taught as refraining from causing harm to any beings, including oneself.
• Nearly every source cites ahimsa as the most important or fundamental yama, the basis from which all decisions should be considered.

Making it Relevant

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• While a common translation of ahimsa is non-harming, some may think they are not overtly violent and so the teaching is not relevant for them.
• When viewed instead as embracing compassion, reverence and love, ahimsa teachings may be easier for some students to relate to.