Bringing Yoga philosophy onto your mat - Ahimsa

In the Yoga Sutras ,the ancient scripts of Patanjali, There are 8 Limbs to the definition of Yoga. These are depicted like rungs on a ladder, there are 8 steps to climb or obtain in order to reach the blissful state of Enlightenment known as Samadhi. Over the coming weeks I’m going to try describe each level to you to give you a deeper understanding so you can attempt to apply it to your physical practice . The 1st step or rung on the ladder are the Yama’s which are moral guidelines or ethical ways for how a yogi should try and live by, they remind me of the 10 commandments but a touch softer. The 5 Yamas are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Bramacharyra and Aparigraha. Ahimsa in essence means ‘non violence’ non aggression but has a wider more positive meaning than that which is Love. It is Love that embraces all of creation, as we are all children of one Lord, one higher power.;A yogi believes that to kill , hurt or destroy another thing or being is an insult to our creator. Non violence can also be in word and thought not only deed. Destructive language, destructive thoughts all create toxins within ourselves and our environment. our approach to Ahimsa should be a way of thinking as well as action and communication. Notice when you are practicing yoga whether your thoughts are critical or judgemental or your Asanas/ postures create discomfort or pain from being too dynamic. Invite loving kindness into your practice and your approach to your discipline and observe the changes that occur as a result.In the Yoga sutras the ancient scripts of Patanjali, these are depicted like rungs on a ladder, there are 8 steps to climb or obtain in order to reach the blissful state of Enlightenment known as Samadhi. Over the coming weeks I’m going to try describe each level to you to give you a deeper understanding and we will attempt to apply it to our physical practice .

The 1st step or rung on the ladder are the Yama’s which are moral guidelines or ethical ways for how a yogi should try and live by. They are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Bramacharyra and Aparigraha.

Ahimsa in essence means ‘non violence’ non aggression, it also has a wider more positive meaning than that which is 'Love'. It is Love that embraces all of creation,as we are all children of one Lord, one higher power; A yogi believes that to kill , hurt or destroy another thing or being is an insult to our creator. In addition to this 'Non violence' can be in word and thought not only deed. Destructive language, negative thoughts all create toxins within ourselves and our environment. Our approach to Ahimsa should be a way of thinking as well as action and communication.

Notice when you are practising yoga whether your thoughts are critical or judgemental or your Asanas (postures) create discomfort or pain within you physically

from being too dynamic. Invite loving kindness into your practice and your approach to your discipline and observe the changes that occur as a result.