Archive for July 18th, 2008

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

For decades, the public has been aware that Yoga brings about a tranquil state of mind. Yoga principles can be applied toward every aspect of improving daily life. Yoga is much more than pictures of people performing postures – it is a complete lifestyle.

If we look at the first limb of the Eight Limbed Path, described by Maharishi Patanjali, we observe Yama (restraints). These are the moral codes of Yoga. The first among these is “ahimsa,” which means no-harming.

If you spent a lifetime of non-harming, you would literally be a saint. It is nearly impossible for most of us to go a day without harming something. Our words, actions, and thoughts can cause harm to others without much effort.

For some people, it only requires them to get behind the steering wheel of an automobile. Suddenly, they become someone else. This is much like a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde phenomenon. Robert Louis Stevenson would be astonished to see his novel come to life on a daily basis, in the form of “road rage.”

Yet, what can we do about it? Non-harming is very difficult, so should we give up on the principle? No, because there is a solution to avoid harming others. Instead of looking at ahimsa as a mountain, that cannot be climbed, let’s look at how we can make positive changes in our daily lives.

Stop thinking about what you cannot do. Instead, think about what you can do. The problem with any moral code is that we always approach it from the, “thou shalt not” point of view. Let’s look at it from an entirely different angle.

If we are thoughtful, patient, kind, forgiving, and compassionate in our thoughts and actions, we do not have the time to harm other beings. Consider this: If you are truly and sincerely able to forgive someone with all your heart, you have created so much positive energy that you cannot hate him or her.

The positive energy arises within you, but when there is too much, it overflows to those around you. The problem is when someone does not truly forgive or when someone forgives with conditions. Conditional forgiveness is for temporary peace, but it does not solve a conflict.

When you can forgive others completely, that is a step toward inner calm. This does not mean we allow people to “walk all over us.” Forgiveness should resolve a conflict on both sides. A state of peace requires two sides to work in harmony.

Kindness is easy enough to add to your life. Try smiling at other people for a day. Watch how much they change as a result of your facial gestures. This is a classic example of how one person can change his or her surroundings by doing something relatively small. A smile is a gesture of kindness, happiness, or compassion toward someone else.

It is hard to think negative thoughts, or harm someone, while you are in a state of kindness, happiness, or compassion.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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