Patanjali Yoga Sutra II-35:
Ahimsa pratishthayam tat vaira-tyagah As a Yogi becomes firmly grounded in non-violence (ahimsa), other people who come near will naturally lose any feelings of hostility.
- Ahimsa = non-harming, non-violence, non-injury
- Pratishthayam = having firmly established, being well grounded in
- Tat = that, of his or her
- Vaira-tyagah = give up hostilities (vaira = hostility, enmity, aggression; tyaga = abandon, give up)
Ahimsa holds profound significance as the first Yama (restraint) in Patanjali’s eight-fold path of Yoga. It lays the foundation for all spiritual progress. This Sutra emphasises how, when a person is deeply rooted in non-harming, their kindness and compassion naturally affect others, encouraging peace and harmony in all relationships. Ahimsa isn’t simply refraining from physical harm—it is a way of life based on the respect for all living beings.
Ahimsa and Fear
Violence often arises from fear and weakness. To practice Ahimsa, one must cultivate freedom from fear (Abhaya) and anger (Akrodha). It is a sign of strength, courage, and inner confidence rather than submission or passivity. Mahatma Gandhi aptly noted that “Ahimsa and Truth are so intertwined that it is practically impossible to disentangle and separate them.”
Ahimsa encompasses more than avoiding physical harm—it includes overcoming hostile or harmful mental states, such as hatred, greed, or jealousy, and avoiding unkind behaviors like harsh words, gossip, or dishonesty.
Ahimsa as a State of Mind
Yoga philosophy teaches that violence is a state of mind rather than a specific action. B.K.S. Iyengar said:
“One can use a knife to pare fruit or to stab an enemy. The fault is not in the instrument, but in the user.
B.K.S. Iyengar
In practicing Ahimsa, we relinquish hostility and irritability to make peace—not just with others but within ourselves. The spirit naturally seeks peace, as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar observed: “Turbulence is part of this world, whereas making peace is the nature of our spirit.”
Ahimsa in Action
Ahimsa doesn’t mean becoming a passive target of harm—it requires intelligence, boundaries, and firmness. A sage once told a snake practicing Ahimsa,
“I told you not to bite, but I didn’t tell you not to hiss.”
This practical wisdom reminds us that non-violence must balance with self-protection and appropriate responses. It’s about non-harming, not self-sacrifice.
Practicing Ahimsa in Daily Life
Thoughts, Words, and Deeds
- Thoughts: Recognise and redirect violent or angry thoughts that disturb your peace. Replace them with loving and compassionate ones.
- Words: Let Ahimsa guide your speech—avoid gossip, criticism, or harsh words. Speak gently and truthfully.
- Deeds: Act with kindness and patience in all circumstances. Even small gestures, like giving a genuine compliment, can create harmony.
Specific Practices
- Start With Yourself: Be kind to yourself. Practise self-compassion and let go of self-critical thoughts.
- Pause Before Reacting: When faced with conflict or stress, take a moment to pause and breathe before responding. This prevents hasty words or actions that could harm.
- Cultivate Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of others to better understand their perspective. Compassion often displaces anger or frustration.
- Simplify Life: By letting go of material desires and simplifying your life, you minimize harm to the environment and others.
- Celebrate Diversity: Appreciate the differences in others rather than judging them. This fosters unity and reduces mental hostility.
- Practice Gratitude: Acknowledge the positive aspects of your life and the efforts of those around you. Gratefulness can dissolve irritation or resentment.
- Dietary Choices: Adopting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle honors the principle of Ahimsa by avoiding harm to animals.
- Mindful Communication: Resolve conflicts through peaceful dialogue and understanding.
- Environmental Responsibility: Care for the Earth by respecting its resources and all living beings.
- Meditation and Breathwork: Cultivate calmness and equanimity through regular meditation and deep, mindful breathing.
- Engage in Non-Violent Initiatives: Contribute to charities, social movements, or community activities promoting peace and compassion.
- Get Enough Sleep: A good night’s rest can make you more patient and less likely to act in frustration.
- Let Ahimsa Guide Your Speech: Always strive to speak words that uplift and create harmony.
By integrating these steps into your daily life, the principle of Ahimsa can evolve from an abstract ideal into a tangible, transformative practice. As you cultivate non-harming in thoughts, words, and actions, you bring peace not only to yourself but also to the world around you.
Ahimsa in Yoga Practice
In your physical yoga practice (asana), apply Ahimsa by respecting your body’s limits and avoiding harm:
- Practice with discipline but without competitiveness or force.
- Avoid comparing yourself with others in ability, body size, or flexibility.
- Rest when your body needs it—overexertion is counterproductive.
- When overwhelmed by thoughts during practice, focus on your breath to bring calmness and presence.
Ahimsa Paramo Dharma
The timeless verse from Mahaprasthanika Parva, written over 2,400 years ago, eloquently captures the essence of Ahimsa:
“Ahimsa is the highest Dharma,
Mahaprasthanika Parva
Ahimsa is the highest self-control,
Ahimsa is the greatest gift,
Ahimsa is the best practice,
Ahimsa is the highest sacrifice,
Ahimsa is the finest strength,
Ahimsa is the greatest friend,
Ahimsa is the greatest happiness,
Ahimsa is the highest truth,
and Ahimsa is the greatest teaching.”
By embodying Ahimsa in thoughts, words, and actions, we align ourselves with the highest moral virtue and contribute to a more peaceful world. It’s not just a principle but a profound way of living that uplifts everyone it touches.