How To Create a Peaceful and Harmonious World – Practice Non-violence (Ahimsa)

By Jola @YolaYoga | June 2, 2022

“Non-violence is the law of our being. It is the key to our existence on this planet and the foundation of our relationships with others.” This quote from Mahatma Gandhi epitomizes the philosophy behind yoga, which is to live in peace and harmony with all beings. In this blog post, we will explore the principles of non-violence as they are expressed in yoga philosophy and how you can apply these teachings to your own life.

Though yoga is often associated with physical postures and exercises, the philosophy behind it holds just as much importance. The guiding principle of yoga is nonviolence (or ahimsa), which encourages practitioners to live without harming themselves or others. This can be interpreted in many ways, but ultimately, it means approaching life with mindfulness and respect for all beings. Yoga offers a way to connect with our own inner peace and compassion, which can then extend outwards to all aspects of our lives.

What is Ahimsa (non-violence) in Yoga Philosophy

Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word that translates to non-violence. At its core, ahimsa is the practice of refraining from causing harm to oneself or others, both physically and mentally. In yoga philosophy, ahimsa is one of the Yamas, or 10 ethical principles that serve as a guide for living a meaningful and peaceful life. While the yamas are typically divided into categories of things we should avoid doing (such as violence, theft, and lying), ahimsa goes a step further by asking us to proactively cultivate compassion in all aspects of our lives. By practicing ahimsa, we can develop a deeper sense of respect and understanding for all beings, ultimately leading to a more peaceful world.

How Ahimsa can be practiced in our everyday lives

On a personal level, ahimsa can be practiced in your daily life. This might involve choosing not to eat meat, for example, in order to avoid causing harm to animals. It could also involve choosing not to participate in activities that cause harm to the environment, such as using disposable plastic straws. Practicing ahimsa on a personal level can help to create a more peaceful world one person at a time.

Ahimsa can also be practiced on a social level, through activism and working for change. This might involve speaking out against violence and injustice or working to promote non-violent conflict resolution. It could also involve working to protect the environment, or advocating for the humane treatment of animals. By taking action for ahimsa, we can work together to create a more peaceful and just world.

Practicing ahimsa doesn’t just mean refraining from causing physical harm to others; it also includes avoiding emotional and mental hurt. When we practice ahimsa in our yoga practice, we learn to let go of negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause harm to ourselves and others. We learn to not push ourselves with yoga asanas practice for instance. I often see people in yoga studios who harm themselves by pushing too hard on the physical part of yoga. As yoga practitioners, we must remember to practice this important principle in all aspects of life and especially on the mat.

The benefits of practicing non-violence

There are many benefits to practicing ahimsa. One benefit is that it can help to create a more peaceful world. When we act with ahimsa, we are modeling nonviolent behavior for others. As more people practice ahimsa, the level of violence in the world can diminish. Additionally, ahimsa is good for our own mental and physical health. When we avoid violence, we reduce stress and anxiety in our lives. We also become more compassionate. We learn to see the humanity in others, even those who may be different from us. As a result, we become more compassionate and loving people.

Here are four benefits of practicing ahimsa in yoga:

1. We learn to control our thoughts and actions.

2. We develop a more positive outlook on life.

3. We become more patient and tolerant of others.

4. We exude peace and calmness, which has a positive effect on those around us.

How to deal with anger and frustration without resorting to violence

When faced with anger and frustration, it is important to remember the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence. This means avoiding physical and verbal aggression and any actions that could cause harm to yourself or others. Instead of resorting to violence, try to find constructive ways to express your anger. For example, you could talk to a friend or therapist about what is making you angry, or journal your thoughts and feelings. You could also try some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga Nidra that we mention on this website. By finding healthy ways to deal with anger, you can avoid harming yourself and others.

Developing self-awareness also is extremely crucial for the control of rising anger. I personally experienced firsthand how self-awareness helped me to control this emotion. Self-awareness gave me the freedom to observe rising emotions without getting reactive and responsive. The power of self-awareness can not be underestimated. This is the most powerful tool in our toolbox that we can use to practice Ahimsa. 

Ways to create a more peaceful and harmonious world for everyone

In a world that is increasingly fast-paced and stressful, creating a sense of peace and harmony can seem like a daunting task. However, there are many small steps that we can all take to promote a more peaceful world. One of the simplest and most effective ways to create peace is through meditation. When we meditate, we quiet the mind, release tension from the body, and connect with our innermost selves. This allows us to find stillness in the midst of chaos and reminds us of our shared humanity. In addition to meditation, other practices such as yoga poses, Tai Chi, and Reiki can also help to create a sense of peace in the world. By taking some time each day to focus on our own inner peace, we can slowly but surely create a more harmonious world for everyone.

Consider this: the way we treat ourselves sets the tone for how we treat others. If we fill our minds with negative thoughts, that’s what we’ll project out into the world. However, if we focus on creating peace and harmony within ourselves, we can then help to create a more peaceful and harmonious world for everyone.

Here are four ways to get started:

1. Yoga: The practice of yoga can help to still the mind and bring about a sense of inner peace.

2. Meditation: Meditation can help develop self-awareness, quiet the mind and promote feelings of peace and calm.

3. Kindness: Showing compassion and kindness towards others.

4. Gratitude: Acknowledging all the good in our lives helps us to feel more positive and hopeful, which in turn creates more peaceful energy that we can share with others.

Conclusion

Ahimsa is a powerful Yoga philosophy that can be applied in our everyday lives. By practicing non-violence, we can create more peace and harmony within ourselves and with others. The benefits of ahimsa are many, and it is a principle worth exploring for anyone looking to live a more peaceful life. If you’re interested in learning more about yoga philosophy or how to apply ahimsa in your own life, please reach out to us – we would be happy to help!

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