Non-Harming ---- Ahimsa

This is an excerpt from the book, "Wherever You Go, There You Are", by Jon Kabat Zinn, a mindfulness meditation teacher in USA. It talks about Ahimsa or Non-Harming in a very different, down-to-earth manner which I have found to be immediately applicable to our daily life, than being an esoteric concept out there. 

This attitude of Non-Harming lies at the heart of Yoga Practice and of the Hippocratic Oath. It was the underlying principle of Gandhiji's revolution and of his personal meditation practice. It struck me as a good way to relate to the world and to oneself. And we would be more generous towards ourselves and others, on the meditation cushion and off it.

Of Course, I also feel its quite a challenging concept to apply in daily life, where one encounters loads of pessimism, acts of pettiness, which leaves one quite isolated in applying these concepts. But, I figured, If not with these situations and these people, where else would be the best place to practice?

I invite you also to join me in this practice, maybe we can lessen pessimism, pettiness, maybe one person at a time, maybe spread a little light where there was darkness before...

"Like any other view, Non-Harming may be a terrific principle, but its the Living of it that counts.

You can start practicing Ahimsa's gentleness on yourself and with others in your life at any moment.

Do you sometimes find that you are hard on yourself and put yourself down? 

Remember Ahimsa in that moment. Take a deep breath, see it and let it go.

Do you feel no one or any situation ever meets meets your standards of perfection?

We all make mistakes, we are all 'Just Human'...Lets give everyone a second chance. That's the choice of Ahimsa.

Do you push yourself beyond your limits with no regard for your body and your well-being?

Ahimsa.

Are you very hard on your kids? Today, look at them as individuals who have come to you for a short while, who will fulfill their destinies as time unfolds. Look at them with new eyes. Ahimsa.

It is easy to relate with Ahimsa to someone who doesn't threaten you in any way.

The real test is how you will relate to a person or situation when you do feel threatened. 

Non-Harming requires that you see your own fears and that you understand them. This comes from self-introspection and taking responsibility for one's actions and thoughts. And,as with all deeper inner changes, this is a process of a lifetime. 

So, Ahimsa with yourself."

Figuring out Ahimsa, having loads of difficulty...

Asha