01/03/2023
Ahiṃsā is a practice that leads to enlightenment, a state of consciousness said to be beyond words. However words and phrases such as ‘spacious,’ ‘illuminated,’ ‘truth bearing,’ ‘non-identification with one’s mental whirlings,’ and/or ‘the eighth limb- samadhi,’ are often used to describe it. It is beautiful that there are so many ways to describe what is said to be indescribable.
Ahiṃsā is the first step of the five parts of Yama which is the first limb, or part of the eight limbs that make up Maharishi Patanjali’s Ashtanga yoga system ending in enlightenment. It is the first step of the first step. While all the limbs are important and work together as a system, it is revelatory to study their order, what comes first, last, just before, just after etc.
The word Ahiṃsā means not to cause harm. Hiṃsā means harm and the short a in front negates, stands apart and is against that which follows it.
Ahiṃsā is both a strong and noble wish deep inside one’s heart/mind not to cause harm and the practice of acting according to that wish. Over time the wish deepens and our capacity to express it expands. Yama also means twin, addressing the relationship of self with other. The practice is one of refraining from harming the other. The second step in Maharishi Patanjali’s Ashtanga yoga system is Niyama, which is made up of five practices that cultivate a non-harmful and positive relationship with oneself. In some ways Niyama forms a foundation for Yama perhaps because it is when we hurt ourselves, we project this in our actions outwardly. In Maharishi Patanjali’s yoga system Yama comes first, yet, the first two limbs work together and create balance. As corny as it may sound, being our own friend is key to being a friend to others.
By Ruth Lauer-Manenti
Ahiṃsā
March 2023 FOTM
Read more: https://jivamuktiyoga.com/fotm/ahimsa-5/
