Ahimsa, derived from the Sanskrit words a (non) and himsa (harm), is the first principle of the Yamas, the social ethics in yoga that guide our interactions with others. Simply put, Ahimsa is the commitment to non-harming — not causing harm to others in thoughts, words, or actions.

Seems straightforward, right? Don't hurt others. But the deeper layer of this principle isn't always as easy as it sounds. Most of us wouldn't want to intentionally inflict harm on another person. And why is that? Because, on some level, we recognize our shared humanity. We can empathize with others' pain and suffering. In essence, we see ourselves in the other.

The Golden Rule — "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" — captures this ethic perfectly. This teaching isn't just confined to one tradition; it appears in sacred texts across the world. It's in the Bible, the Talmud, the Qur'an, and the Analects of Confucius, to name a few. This universal principle calls us to treat others with the same kindness, respect, and compassion that we desire for ourselves.

So, how do we apply the Golden Rule in our daily lives? It starts with empathy — putting yourself in someone else's shoes and reflecting on how you would feel in their position. For instance, if you value honesty and support, you should strive to offer those same qualities to others. By doing so, we embody Ahimsa and contribute to a more compassionate world.

Our outer world is a direct reflection of our inner world. What we think, we ultimately feel in our bodies, and manifest in the core of our being. Our thoughts shape our emotions, and those emotions inform our words and our actions. We become what we repeatedly think and do. Every habit, belief, and pattern we reinforce and strengthen our sense of self and our experience of the world around us.

This is where the practice of ahimsa or compassion begins — within the self. Before we can extend compassion to others, we must first cultivate it internally. We need to slow down, take a step back, and reflect on the workings of our own mind. In doing so, we become more conscious of the thoughts we're feeding ourselves and more aware of the patterns we’re unknowingly reinforcing.

Ask yourself:

• Am I being kind to myself right now?
  Self-compassion is often the first thing we overlook in the hustle of daily life. Yet, how we treat ourselves profoundly impacts how we treat others. Are we speaking to ourselves with the same kindness and patience we would offer a friend?

• Am I being resistant when someone tells me I've hurt them?
  It's easy to be defensive when we feel we've done something wrong, but true growth comes from being open to feedback. Are we able to listen and understand the impact of our actions, or are we stuck in denial or defensiveness?

• Am I listening to my body when it tells me I need rest?
  Our body is always communicating with us. Are we listening - Or do we only listen when we fall sick, or when we reach our breaking point? Are we honoring our physical needs for rest, nourishment, and care, or are we pushing ourselves beyond healthy limits in pursuit of productivity or perfection?

• Am I caught in a loop of unhealthy thought patterns?
  Often, the busyness of life masks deeper emotional or mental unrest. Are we caught in a cycle of overworking, overthinking, or negative self-talk that drains our energy and peace? Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking them.

By cultivating mindfulness around these questions, we begin to take ownership of our internal dialogue and behavior. When we become conscious of how we are treating ourselves — both in thought and action — we can begin to shift those patterns toward greater kindness, acceptance, and self-compassion.

Compassion for Ourselves, Compassion for the Collective.

In this way, the practice of Ahimsa extends beyond merely not causing harm. It’s about creating an environment of peace within ourselves so that we can radiate that peace outward. When we treat ourselves with the same care and respect we wish to offer others, we naturally contribute to a world that is more compassionate, harmonious, and just.

This internal shift has a ripple effect. As we cultivate a healthier, more balanced relationship with ourselves, it influences how we engage with others — and even with the natural world around us. Compassion, in its truest sense, is not just about caring for others but also about being in a continuous, conscious relationship with ourselves. It is a journey of mutual care and respect — both inwardly and outwardly.

The practice of Ahimsa reminds us that the world we seek to create begins within us. Through intentional acts of kindness and mindfulness, both toward ourselves and others, we contribute to the freedom, joy, and harmony we desire to see in the world.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi

May all beings in our world, be happy and free from the sufferings of the world.

And may my thoughts, my words, and the actions in my life, contribute to this freedom and happiness for all beings everywhere.

Let there be peace.

January 2025