‘A’ – negating
‘han’ – to strike with the intent of doing harm
‘imsa’ – indicates desire
From ‘negating the desire to do harm’ we have thus come to the modern definition of ahimsa as ‘nonviolence’.
So how does this quality resonate in our own lives? How does it move from within you, out into the Universe? And how is it cultivated? These were some of the questions addressed in “Yoga, Nonviolence (Ahimsa), and Ecology”, a recent talk given at
Yogaglo by renowned theologian
Dr. Chris Chapple, Navin and Pratima Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymount University. The talk explored how the principle of nonviolence and the practice of Yoga meditation can be combined to heighten our awareness of nature and the need for environmental activism. Yoga, defined as union is not only the union of the mind and the body through our breath, but also our union with the Divine, which not only lies within but also without in the form of our fellow creatures, the earth and even beyond into the cosmos. Through honoring this world around us, ahimsa is cultivated. Through our yoga practice we have the opportunity to become attuned to the various forms ahimsa takes. How does it play out in our yoga practice; do we listen to our bodies above our egos? How does it play out in our personal life; do we recognize and accept our uniqueness and our rightness in the present moment? The energy of what we choose to (or not to) practice carries out into our daily lives and radiates outward into the world like ripples moving toward the outer edges of a pond. Thus, no small act or thought goes without affecting the greater consciousness.
According to the
Green Yoga Association, another organization Dr. Chapple is involved with, we must learn to live in balance with nature. Some of the ways to do this are:
- Educate ourselves about the needs of the biosphere as a whole and our local ecosystems in particular.
- Cultivate an appreciation for and conscious connection with the natural environments in which we live, including animals, plants, soil, water, and air.
- Include care for the environment in our discussion of Yogic ethical practices.
- Commit ourselves to policies, products, and actions that minimize environmental harm and maximize environmental benefit.
- And if we are Yoga teachers or centers, we will incorporate these commitments into our work with students.
Chapple also suggests:
- Reading or re-reading the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita citing that each verse is “one to live by”.
- Becoming aware of and guarding against harmful tendencies.
- Practice pratipaksha bhavanam, doing or thinking the opposite when negative thoughts or impulses arise (see The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 11.33).
As yoga (and the current economical conditions) advocates a radical individuality in the approach to life, we are given license to be as creative as possible in our efforts.
Yogaglo is a studio that has grabbed that creative license and ‘flowed’ with it by charging a monthly fee of $18 a month…yes folks, I said EIGHTEEN DOLLARS A MONTH for unlimited classes in studio and online (all in-studio classes are recorded and immediately posted on their website free of advertisements). Through yoga and conscious events, Yogaglo’s intention is to encourage people around the world to invest in the quality of the human condition and to serve as a vehicle for social change. Five percent of their profits go to an organization of your choosing from a list of non-profit partners.
Yoga and meditation are virtually tool kits for eco-sustainability through its principles…all it takes is to pick a tool and get to work…
Chris Chapple also holds Yoga Sutra Sadhana (Study and Practice) Sunday mornings 8:30 - 10:00am at the Hill St. Center in Santa Monica.
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