We all need
a moral and ethical code to live by. This is what guides us towards deciding what is
right and what is wrong. Yoga suggests we follow the yamas and niyamas which are
the things we should abstain from doing and the things we should observe.
Something we
can all benefit from is practicing the yama
of nonviolence. It is to be practiced in body, mind and soul. If we could remove violence what a peaceful
world this would be.
When we
think of violence we think of physical pain and although that is one kind of
violence, thoughts that are negative and words that hurt, slander and disrespect
are also violent. Someone or something always gets hurt. Fundamental to yoga is
to do no harm.
Yoga does
however teach us that sometimes violence is the best course of action to take.
If you take it from a good moral and ethical position violence has its place.
Although this seems like a contradiction think of it this way: if someone you
love was being attacked would you kill the attacker? Your love is much stronger
than nonviolence; as it should be.
As humans we
kill animals to eat the meat. We are meat eating mammals. Meat sustains life
just as killing a tree provides us with paper and books. Everything in life sacrifices.
The question is intent. If you intend to hurt, for the sake of hurting, you are
being violent.
The opposite
of violence is kindness. All violent thoughts, words and deeds paralyze the
soul. Perhaps it might be better if we reflected on our thoughts and then only
spoke words that were kind. Mastering
this duality will help you to live a more peaceful life.
The practice
of nonviolence should not be taken too rigidly. Yoga takes into account that
most of us live a social life with many different cultural norms. The easiest
way to practice this yama is to remember
to always try to do the greatest good for the greatest many. Examine your moral and ethical code and follow
the path that gives you the least resistance. It will bring you peace.
When a negative
thought pops up in your mind, replace it with something positive. This is the path
of nonviolence. Step back, take a breath, change the way you look at things and
the way you look at things will change.
Doctor Lynn
The Tree
If you find
yourself experiencing violence think of the tree pose. No matter how hard you try
eventually you will lose your balance. Life is not meant to be stationary. Practicing the tree is about finding your balance
and then remembering to return to it each time life throws you off balance; and
it will. This week you may experience
an argument, a misunderstanding or gossip. Regain your balance and you will be
practicing nonviolence.