It has been said that the foundation of a yoga practice is built on the concept of Ahimsa which means "non-violence", or the cultivation of peace. I like to think of it as a simultaneous expression of what we don't do and what we do to ourselves and others.
As I was recently engrossed in Pema Chodron's book "Comfortable with Uncertainty" I came across her chapter on "Not Causing Harm" and deeply appreciated her perspective on this path of peaceful living.
She writes that "non aggression has the power to heal and transform society". Her premise is that the most harm, the most aggressive act we can do to ourselves or others is remain ignorant by not having the courage and respect to look at ourselves truthfully and gently. She states that the ground of not causing harm is mindfulness. With mindfulness we gain clarity and compassion for what we truly see--without hiding, denying, suppressing, or imagining things to be some other way.
When we look sincerely and openly at ourselves we see how we are in the world and we see how much aggression and violence (thoughts, actions, etc) we put out into the world. Without judging we just see, truly see, and that is what creates space for grace. Without seeing we can't do anything about it and live as though we are not leaving a trail of suffering behind us. First notice, then create space, then operate from that deep and profound space that allows room for growth--for love to take its course.
Ahimsa has many expressions but I have to agree mindfulness comes first. Before we act we have to act from a place of knowing. It's like the difference between speaking off the cuff, or taking time to dig deep and come from a place of depth as you begin to give birth to words in the world.
Peaceful living means we allow ourselves to be with things, our lives, as they are. We just sit with and open to life as it is. At the same time we stay open to the moment and remember that nothing is fixed. This is why acceptance of this moment is key. Without acceptance without opening--there is gripping and clinging which can only lead to violence as we try to change rather than allow what needs to unfold to unfold. We open and stay open. We feel and simultaneously explore all the possible options and paths that the freedom of openness in the moment allows for us.
There is freedom that comes from this opening and the freedom creates space for peace. It's a steady peace that does not rely on things "working" or becoming "fixed" but it's a peace that fueled on the knowledge that life is a wild ride filled with adventures and growth expeditions (we came here to grow). Peace begins when we truly get on the ride and quite trying to stop it, or change it, or get off it.
Peace externally begins from the peace of deep opening within us. The more you open and allow, the more allowing and grace flow through you. Then Ahimsa is not a thing you do--but it is a thing you are---and that makes all the difference.
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