Welcome to Ahimsa

The Yamas and Niyamas are not necessarily mentioned at day one for the embarking yoga student, the essence of asana practice is considered the initial attempt towards opening the mind for the first two limbs of Ashtanga yoga. In other words the asana practice starts from the outside and works inward, from the physical realm to an inner world, from the mundane to unalloyed peace. As the body moves, bends, and sweats the mind is pulled towards the infinity that is within. Ahimsa (non-harming) the first yama, is not simply being nice or eating a vegetarian diet but delving deeper into an understanding that we are all made up of the same atoms and molecules within the cosmic mystery that is this universe. Seeing the commonality of all pushes the mind beyond the differences of creed, sex, race, nationality, and opens a sacredness in all that is. It is the challenge of daily asana practice that leads to the experience of this unique oneness. Just as asana practice simplifies the mind, ahimsa simplifies the mind's relationship to the world.

I met Luke Jordan in Mysore last summer who told me an interesting story of his first trip to India. After his morning practice Luke went back to his apartment for breakfast to find that ants had invaded his room and were feasting on his food. In a frantic reaction Luke quickly ended the lives of the intruding ants, upset over his ruined breakfast. Later that day at conference Luke asked Guruji a question about the Yamas and Niyamas. Guruji's responded by saying, "Yamas and Niyamas very difficult, first you must practice lots of asanas, then you will know. Ahimsa (non-harming) is very difficult to master.......you kill too many ants!"

“If you only read books, you only have book knowledge. You have to have practical experience by practicing the yamas and niyamas, and asana in the correct method, with correct breathing and correct gazing, in your daily life. This is how you realize the meaning of yoga—how you realize who you are.” -- R. Sharath January 2009