Yoga suggests there are things we should abstain from and things we should observe. We call these Yamas and Niyamas. They are not rules for living. They are suggestions for living a more peaceful existence. The Yamas and the Niyamas are much like the Ten Commandments. They are moral guideposts. The first Yama is to abstain from violence. It has been suggested that if we practiced just this one Yama, we probably would not need to focus on the other four Yamas.
All Yamas and Niyams should be practiced in thoughts, words, and actions. If we could remove violent thoughts, abusive words, insulting statements, angry speech, bad advice, and any kind of physical abuse to either ourselves or someone or something else, we probably would not need to focus too heavily on abstaining from the four great passions of deceit, greed, anger, and pride.
If violence were to disappear from the human equation, there would be no need for war. We would preserve the environment, and all humans would live together in peace. But this is a utopia that has never existed. So Yoga reminds us to start within ourselves by choosing our thoughts, words, and actions carefully. In this, we will begin to remove violence at its core. Because the potential to be violent exists within every one of us. The only way to remove it is to become aware and then actively seek not to harm. When living a balanced, open, strong, and peaceful life, it is easier to practice the Yama of nonviolence. Let’s work on finding some balance, flexibility, strength, and peace today.
END: Sitting here in this peaceful moment, be aware of how wonderful peace feels within your body, mind, and soul. We cannot stop the violence in the world. But we can do our part to bring about peace by refraining from physical harm, avoiding hurtful words, and mastering our thoughts, moods, and attitudes. Just practice compassion and understanding. Remember, we are all connected to the universal spiritual energy of life. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
EGO: flip your palms up and extend out the index finger - the ego.
Violence springs from separateness, comparison, and jealousy. Comparison gets us into trouble, but in truth, there is no comparison in the world. Each of us is unique on our own individual journey, and yet we need each other to complete our mission. So although we are separate, we are connected. Here is where we get into trouble because it is the ego that keeps us separated and feeds the four great passions.
Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top, take a breath, and surrender to the soul.
To transcend the ego is to connect with the universal energy of life. In this state of being, we can do no harm because to harm anyone or anything is to harm all of life. Extremism like terrorism pits life against life. In an attempt to harm and destroy, the perpetrators harm themselves, their families, and their culture.
Non-violence is to be observed on all three levels: thought, words, and action. A wound caused by an arrow heals swiftly, but a wound caused by violent words heals slowly. Just remember that the spiritual energy that permeates your life permeates all of life. Practice nonviolence and live in peace.
Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace.
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