SCHYS Student's on Ahimsa
Let's consider the question: what is the opposite of ahimsa? If the opposite of non-violence is violence, can we say that negative thinking is himsa or violence? Like all behaviors, himsa or violence, begins in the mind. Actions spring from thoughts in the mind, like seeds that are planted. If tended, fed, and nurtured, the thoughts grow and develop and manifest in outward or inward behaviors. So, we could say that negative thinking, at its most basic level, and, when taken to an extreme, can lead to violence toward oneself or others.
Words, thoughts, and images are powerful. Our inner self talk, and the thoughts that we allow to fill our minds produce fruit and actions. As I heard on one of the online courses, as yoga practitioners we need to monitor our thoughts and language for words and phrases of violence such as "killing time" or "take a stab at it." In this way of thinking, Mother Teresa sets boundaries for negative language and activity in how she engages the world and interacts with other people.
Our American, western culture is a culture of violence in words, images and deeds. Gun violence is epidemic. Considering that nearly two thirds of gun deaths are suicide, and that our culture's suicide rate is ten times higher than other high-income countries, we can say that the conversations we have- with ourselves especially-can be very toxic and deadly. I think that we must first learn to practice Ahimsa or non-violence with ourselves, and to give others, especially those whom we teach, permission and encouragement to show unconditional love and regard for themselves.
—by MJ Meadows
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I like this investigation of language when it comes to ahimsa. There is something about an anti-war rally that makes me picture war in my mind. Even before I conjure ideas of what anti-war might look like. It's similar to some of the advice about talking to children these days. Instead of "Don't Run!" the lifeguards say, "Walking feet." Instead of "Don't Hit" the teachers say "Use your words," the idea being to send the image of the desired behavior, rather than slap a Don't in front of the problem behavior, which might actually reinforce it.
For awhile, I have thought of ahimsa not as "practice non-harming," but instead as "Offer Care" or "Help." (I wonder how the negativity in the creed of the medical field -- "first do no harm" -- affects care in this country. That's so different from "First, help" or "First Care.") But recently, especially if I am feeling caregiver fatigue or teacher burnout, I have thought that there are two other things to consider. First is what you, Mary Jane, mention: we must care for ourselves, we must practice non-harming towards ourselves and over-helping can actually harm, no? And then second, something I have never read anywhere, but occurred to me -- this idea that we have another choice when faced with the opportunity to either harm or help. We can do nothing, remain neutral, stay out of it. We don't always have to help, especially if helping somehow harms or drains us. There was something about this do-nothing that felt like a break through for me, a relief. Because once "Practice Non-Harming" gets turned into "Help," there's a possible trap in that there is no end to the work, there's no rest (which is then harming to me.)
—by M.Hope
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Even a small amount of ahimsa in our thinking and behavior elevates us and that is reason enough to keep trying to increase the practice of ahimsa. I think of this in relation to judgement or the thoughts I send out into the world. Judgement is out of alignment with a practice of ahimsa because it harms the self and can also be felt by the other person. It is a double edged sword.
Ahimsa practiced for self and for others in a balanced, grounded way creates an atmosphere of peace.
As Spring arrived people jumped to control it, to fertilize, use weed killers, and leaf blowers...It causes me to breathe deeply. Not because I like the smell of leaf blowers but to sink into the practice of ahimsa. Not judging other but instead to wish them happiness even though they can not deem the dandelion to live. Ahimsa has purpose because everything and everyone has purpose. Ahimsa also does not say only practice non harming to the people you like and who do things the way you do.
Not doing sadhana, or keeping promises to ourselves is self harming.
—by C.Oliver
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Ahimsa - non-violence, no harm. If i could imagine a perfect world, there wouldn't be harm to others or violence. Everyone would speak kindly and respectfully and think of others. I believe people would put more thought into how things are perceived by others before acting....and I think people would receive actions more kindly towards self. But that seems to be the key... we can't always control how someone perceives our actions. Some times people can hurt others with no intention or awareness that harm has been done. I think it is the intention of our hearts that need to be weighed. Did our heart mean harm, was our intention to use words or physical violence to get our point across? I would dare to venture deeper into what the definition of harm/non-violence is for ahimsa. Pain can come with growth. And if we are to grow as a human with emotions and learn to control our actions and reactions, some times the decisions to stop harm or prevent violence may come with physical or mental harm/pain/suffering. Especially before growth and peace can occur. However, I think it is our responsibility to move forward with as much kindness, respect, non-violence and non-harm as is possible for each of us. Looking for growth in our own self when times arise that could trigger harm to others or self.
— by S.Loeffler
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Usually starts with how we treat others and animals for me. My on/off relationship with meat and dairy - always considering how my food choices impact creatures on earth, while balancing with need to sustain life, something all creatures on earth do. Part of the food chain. Also, how food choices may harm me.
How I use my mind (TV or movies I may watch that are violent), music I hear - am I supporting it by watching it/listening to it? What I read online, my inner dialogue. How do I talk to myself that is harming? How does "entertainment" impact my self dialogue?
Judgement plays a role in harm.
—by K.Slater