The Power Of Ahimsa: Embracing Non-Violence in a Turbulent World.

In a world that can sometimes be filled with conflict, divisiveness, and aggression, the ancient principle of ahimsa offers a timeless and profound message of peace and compassion. Ahimsa, which originates from the Sanskrit word "himsa" meaning harm or violence and “a” meaning non, advocates for non-violence in all aspects of life. This core tenet of many spiritual and philosophical traditions, continues to resonate as a guiding principle for personal and societal transformation.

At its essence, ahimsa calls for a deep reverence for all living beings and a commitment to refraining from causing harm, whether through physical, verbal, or mental means. It invites us to cultivate empathy, understanding, and kindness towards others, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and harmony with the world around us.

Practicing ahimsa begins with self-awareness and mindfulness, as we strive to recognize and transcend our own tendencies towards aggression, judgment, and negativity. By cultivating a sense of inner peace and compassion, we can extend this benevolent energy outward, influencing our interactions with others and the world at large.

When I think of Ahimsa in my own community my friend Machan leaps forth into my mind. Machan works with the elderly in care homes. He works directly from his heart which is interesting because he was born with a hole in his own heart and has had several heart attacks and several pace makers fitted into his body. When Machan works with the elderly he is sometimes kicked, spat at, shouted at. He treats people with the utmost respect even though he can be treated badly by them. When he talks about his work he says that although it is not pleasant sometimes that the elderly people don’t want or mean to behave in such a way, they have lost control of their bodies and minds and it has altered them into beings that they probabaly don’t even want to be themselves. To me Machan is the person that I know that embraces Ahimsa fully and I greatly admire him and the work that he does.

Embracing ahimsa ourselves involves making conscious choices in our daily lives that align with non-violence and respect for all beings. This can manifest in various ways, from engaging in peaceful conflict resolution strategies that prioritize dialogue and understanding over aggression just like my friend Machan does in his daily work to making kinder choices about the way we care for ourselves and our communities. I believe Machan demonstrates one of the most powerful actions of ahimsa in action is through acts of social justice and advocacy for a marginalized community, working towards creating a more equitable society for all.

Mahatma Gandhi, a pioneer of non-violent resistance, famously embodied the principles of ahimsa in his leadership of India's independence movement. Through peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and unwavering commitment to non-violence, Gandhi inspired a nation and the world to embrace the transformative power of love and compassion in the face of adversity.

Today in our modern world, the practice of ahimsa remains as relevant and urgent as ever, offering a beacon of hope and healing in times of turmoil and strife. By embracing non-violence in our thoughts, words, and actions, we can sow the seeds of peace, justice, and unity in our own communities and beyond.

At the time of writing this it’s July 2024 and the American Presidential Election season is in full swing, it already looks like it’s getting divisive with people criticizing each other. It is my greatest hope for the American people that the practice and restraint of Ahimsa can serve them and help to bring back unity. An easy way to put Ahimsa into practice is by combining the mantra “peace begins with me” whilst tapping each finger against the thumb as you say each word. Here is a link to how to do it.

Have a beautiful day everyone

Previous
Previous

Satya - Truthfulness and the dance with Nonviolence.

Next
Next

Exploring the Yamas and Niyamas: a Path To Mindful Living.