Ahimsa

We do not know the age of this world. We do not know when human beings came into existence. We do not know the entire history of the life-styles of the human beings during the different periods of time.

Today, all over the world we are seeing wars, killings, violence, etc. The violence has become too much in the present-day world and it is beyond the imagination of anyone to think of it.

In the practice of ashtanga yoga, the accessories of yoga, yama is the first limb and in yama, ahimsa is the first restraint to practice.

Everyone has to perform various actions in his life for different reasons. Without any action, he cannot survive. He has to act according to his needs and situations.

There was a spiritual man giving discourses on ahimsa. Both human beings and animals were going to listen to his discourses. Unlike men, the animals have a sharp capacity to hear the human words.

Many people think that hurting other people and living beings should be totally avoided. According to them, violence, hurting, injuring, etc., should not be incurred to others in all situations.

In Srimad Bhagavadgita, Sri Krishna says that the cause of desire and anger may force the individual to indulge in violence and injure others.

Practice ahimsa according to your lifestyle. But take care to see that your practice of ahimsa will not destroy the wealth of you, your society and the humanity.

Now, you want to practice ahimsa. There will be a series of thoughts in your mind about this ahimsa.

When you begin practising ahimsa, generally, you start with your outer life. Here, you will be on the gross level.

Ahimsa, non-violence is not easy to practice. One should prepare mentally and be firm in his decision to practice ahimsa. Before you start practising ahimsa, observe your mind and yourself.