Practicing Ahimsa - Yoga and Veganism
"All beings tremble before violence. All fear death. All love life." ~ Buddha
Written in 200 AD, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras provides the fundamental approach to creating and sustaining balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The word yoga, etymologically stems from the Sanskrit term “yuga.” Literally meaning, “to yoke – or work together,” the practice of yoga aims to bridge the external with the internal forming a harmonious union of being. According to Patanjali and yogic philosophy, the path to enlightenment is attained through the practice of the Eight Limbs. Essentially, the stepping-stones on a path to divinity, the observation of the Eight Limbs is a lifelong journey. Devised as the primary approach to conscious awareness, the limbs consist of; Yamas – Universal Morality (restraint or abstinence), Niyamas – Personal Observances, Asanas – Body Postures (seat or connection), Pranayama – Breathing exercises and the control of Prana (life force energy), Pratyhara – Withdrawal of the senses, Dharana – Concentration and cultivation of inner perceptual awareness, Dhyana – Devotion and meditation on the Divine, and finally, Samadhi – Union with the Divine or Enlightenment.
Within each limb roots further contemplation and specification as to how to best facilitate a relationship with the Divine and the divinity within oneself. Yamas initiate the practice and awareness of external morality under which lies amongst others, the principle of Ahimsa. One of the most profound conscious practices, ahimsa translates to non-violence. To attain ahimsa is to facilitate compassion and harmlessness for all living creatures no matter our distinctions or differences. Through action, thought and deed, a non-violent mind is an enlightened mind.
Of all the virtues involved in the science of yoga, there is none higher than ahimsa. Ahimsa is the golden thread that runs through all yoga practice and is the foundation on which all yogis build the Divine life. In order to keep this vow we must practice right knowledge and attitude. The practice of ahimsa develops pure, unconditional and universal love.
To restrain ourselves from violence, causing no harm or discomfort to any living being; any creature that has eyes, a beating heart and breath, we practice ahimsa.
This is why that for many, the principle of ahimsa correlates with the adoption of a vegan lifestyle. The word veganism, as defined in 1944 by Donald Watson, co-founder of The Vegan Society, and the person responsible for coining the term vegan, "Denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude–as far as is possible and practical–all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment."
A yogi's declaration of veganism in its purest form is the practice of ahimsa, and their statement of the conscious decision to do no harm. It is a pronounced understanding that perceived differences do not equate to lesser beings. To embrace ahimsa is to embrace equality, which does not falter when faced with disparity. When we come to see ourselves in each other, when one’s suffering becomes our own, when we cease to take what does not belong to us and when we choose acceptance over intolerance, we will finally know peace.
Conscious Awareness - Making the Connection
"Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages." ~ Thomas A. Edison
The practice of yoga cultivates and promotes conscious awareness; one that pervades our thoughts, actions and deeds. Through a steady (sittram) practice of the eight limbs we embark upon a journey of connection to ourselves, to nature and to all other sentient beings with whom we share this earth.
It is however, to our misfortune that through a lineage of disconnection we have been programmed to believe that we are the superior species, that our needs are greater and more important, and that we have the right to exploit, abuse, neglect, torment and ultimately slaughter in order to suit our individual desires and gains.
Our history is littered with documented accounts of violence and domination, yet yoga, an ancient philosophy teaches us that if we exploit an animal, child, gender, religious sect, race, sexual orientation and so on, we are in fact exploiting ourselves. If we torment and abuse others, we ourselves are tormented and abused. The fundamental act of non-violence toward all living beings, however different they may appear, is the foundation of a peaceful civilization, planet and nation. It is the enlightened understanding that when looking within, we realize that we are all one.
The practice of yoga cultivates and promotes conscious awareness; one that pervades our thoughts, actions and deeds. Through a steady (sittram) practice of the eight limbs we embark upon a journey of connection to ourselves, to nature and to all other sentient beings with whom we share this earth.
It is however, to our misfortune that through a lineage of disconnection we have been programmed to believe that we are the superior species, that our needs are greater and more important, and that we have the right to exploit, abuse, neglect, torment and ultimately slaughter in order to suit our individual desires and gains.
Our history is littered with documented accounts of violence and domination, yet yoga, an ancient philosophy teaches us that if we exploit an animal, child, gender, religious sect, race, sexual orientation and so on, we are in fact exploiting ourselves. If we torment and abuse others, we ourselves are tormented and abused. The fundamental act of non-violence toward all living beings, however different they may appear, is the foundation of a peaceful civilization, planet and nation. It is the enlightened understanding that when looking within, we realize that we are all one.
Cultivate Compassion
Awareness and compassion are perhaps the most powerful tools we can offer to promote change. Although it seems an unfortunate truth that most of us who so passionately choose to practice ahimsa through a vegan lifestyle were not raised this way, in reality it is an indication of the vast and sometimes unexpected possibility of awesome transformation. It is a truth that offers hope for those who were once thought hopeless. Yoga philosophy and practice illuminates the learned, perpetual disconnected way of life that is supported by the torment of others, and strives to dismantle rationalizations and ignorance offered in way of poor explanation and mediocre excuse. Buddha said that the responsibility of every man, woman, and child is to make the lives of those around them better, and to aid each living being we meet on its path to enlightenment. At the heart of this statement lies the principle of compassion. Defined as a, "Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it," compassion stems from the core of our humanity. Yoga teaches us to listen to our inner voice and inner divinity, in order to create compassion, rather than disconnecting from the discomfort we feel when the truth is realized.
The system of yoga, as a whole, has been described by Russell Simmons, a passionate yogi and strict vegan as, "The science of happiness. Pure yoga, that which has not been blurred by ego, competition, or fear, has always included compassion for others and ahimsa (non-harming) as the first step on our paths to happiness or Samadhi, otherwise known as Enlightenment."
Ahimsa is the Foundation of Yoga by Sri Dharma Mittra
"May the Lord bestow upon us the divine way to obtain Ahimsa. Reduce your wants and lead a happy and contented life. Never hurt the feelings of
others and be kind to all. Think of God as soon as you get up and when you go to bed."
Yama is the first of the eight limbs of Yoga. Yama is Sanskrit for restraint. The Yamas are given in order for us to practice restraining ourselves from behaviors that may not benefit us. So, to lead an honest life in word and thought, it benefits us to restrain from dishonesty by practicing Satya (truthfulness). To restrain ourselves from non-violence, causing no harm or discomfort to any living being, any creature that has eyes, a beating heart, and breath, we practice Ahimsa (non-violence or non-killing).
Of all the virtues involved in the science of yoga, there is none higher than Ahimsa. Ahimsa is the golden thread that runs through all Yoga practice and is the foundation on which all Yogis build the Divine life. In order to keep this vow we must have the right knowledge and attitude. Practice of Ahimsa develops pure, unconditional and universal love. The one message of all saints and sages is the message of love. Ahimsa is the highest of all traits found in the mind, speech and actions of all perfected souls. There is only one religion - the religion of love, of peace. There is only one message, the message of unconditional and universal love. Ahimsa is the supreme duty of a Yogi. If you are established in Ahimsa, you have attained all virtues. All virtues spring forth from Ahimsa. Ahimsa may appear to merely imply non-killing. But, non-injury is not merely non-killing. The true meaning of Ahimsa is non-harming in thought, word and action. The absence of causing any harm to any living creature. Ahimsa is true strength. No Self-realization is possible without Ahimsa. First control your physical body and do not give in to the lower and diabolical retaliation tendencies. This may be very difficult in the beginning. Remain calm, reflect and meditate. Remember the Guru and the teachings of forgiveness from all of the Masters. Very soon the old samskaras (past impressions) will begin to subside and mind will become calm. Eventually you will gain tremendous strength and resolve and the lower reactive nature will be transformed into the sublime, gentle and kind nature of the true Self.
After controlling the body, begin to control speech. Make a solemn promise to speak only loving, truthful words, mindful that no harsh words be uttered. Observe silence. Just as with the conquering of physical violence, the violent speech tendencies will slowly diminish and be gone completely.
Eventually, you will learn to conquer all thoughts involved in harming or injury. This is sometimes the most difficult samskara to conquer, but you must always remember you are not your thoughts…they are merely a product of Prakriti, or nature. But as a Yogi, we must eventually control all thought projection, and the most important of all these is to control harmful thoughts. Never think of injuring anyone. Every time an injurious thought appears, remember the One Self dwelling in all. By injuring any aspect of God, you injure your own Self. By loving any aspect of God, you love your own Self. This is pure love. The ability to place our selves in others is essential, thus how can we hurt others? It’s just impossible! In other words, you must strive for at least a small amount of self-knowledge. Then it will be understood that only one Self, or one Supreme Self dwells in all beings. It’s natural for old souls who are possessed by compassion to keep Ahimsa. In a short time they can enter the kingdom of God. Ahimsa is the foundation of yoga and all religion. Without it, we truly cannot enter the Realm of God. The mind will never settle without Ahimsa, and Meditation will be almost impossible. Remember that Yoga is the settling of the mind into silence. The imperishable force of God protects all who are rooted in Ahimsa. The practitioner of Ahimsa loses all fear and finds God very quickly, realizing the unity and oneness of Consciousness. All beings love life and have an equal right to live free from violence. The Yogi who realizes this will be in harmony with all creation. Make sure to learn to Love all.
"May the Lord bestow upon us the divine way to obtain Ahimsa. May all beings that I hurt by hands, ears, mouth, or thought accept my
apologies and allow me to pay back whatever is necessary. Oh Lord may I be punished for my transgressions. Forgive me for all sins I’ve committed, and for all that are still to come."
Why is it important for Yoga Practitioners to have a vegetarian diet?
Sri Dharma reminds his students that God is at the center of the chest. This is our spiritual heart. As he teaches, the stomach residing underneath the heart center, is therefore the Lord’s table. In this day and age, there is far greater understanding of the effects of what we put into our bodies. Better than, putting dead flesh on the Lord’s table, is drinking fresh juices and eating foods that vibrate with life. This is of great benefit to the body.
It is important to know that the production, slaughtering, and consumption of meat or animal products, and the methods by which animals are reared (animal concentration camps), in the commercial industry, are highly unethical. By not shopping at what Sri Dharma calls “the morgue," you are freeing yourself from participation and promotion of animal cruelty.
By practicing ahimsa with the smallest of creatures, we eventually become more compassionate to all beings. As we modify our diets, our bodies are cleansed of years of dead flesh that has physically, emotionally, and spiritually affected it. Our heart centers become clearer. We become more open. Where the body was once burdened, we become lighter. This lightness is also needed for asana, and all eight limbs of yoga.
Compassion, Diet, Strength & Happiness by Sharon Gannon
Compassion is an essential ingredient in the practice of ahimsa (non-harming), the first of the five yamas (ethical restraints) in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Through compassion, you begin to see yourself in other beings. This helps you refrain from causing harm to them. But developing compassion does something else that is of special interest to the yogi: It trains the mind to see past outer differences of form. The yogi begins to catch glimpses of the inner essence of other beings, which is happiness, and begins to see that every single creature desires happiness. To develop compassion, examine the motives for your actions. Are they selfish or unselfish? Proclaiming that it is acceptable to eat meat because it makes you healthier, for example, is a himsic, or "harmful," attitude because the action of eating meat stems from a selfish motive -your concern for your own personal health or enjoyment. When you realize that cows and chickens want happiness just as you do, you see them as kindred souls: the distinction between you and other beings wears thin as awareness begins to dawn.
In truth, we all share consciousness, and harm inflicted upon one being, be it animal or human, is felt by all sooner or later. Some meat eaters like to argue that vegetables have feelings too, so what difference does it make if we eat chickens or carrots? The answer is simple: Patanjali gives ahimsa as a practice, meaning that you do your best to cause the least amount of harm. And it is clear that a vegetarian diet causes the least amount of harm to the planet and to all creatures.
Generally speaking, the "disease of disconnection" plagues the human condition. As a species, we are not at ease with ourselves - with our bodies, with our minds or with our feelings. We are not at ease with others - with other human beings as well as other animals. We can be nervous, competitive, fearful and worried; we crave respect and approval while simultaneously seeking dominance and power. We certainly aren't at ease with our environment, and are constantly altering it to suit our needs or wants with little regard for how our actions impact others or the earth. This dis-ease causes all sorts of problems. We are destroying ourselves, as well as other animal species and the planet, in a misguided quest to find happiness, or ease of being.
By enslaving and abusing other animals in order to feed and clothe ourselves, we deprive them of freedom and happiness. How can we hope to be free or happy when our own lives are rooted in depriving others of the very thing we say we value most in life -the freedom to pursue happiness? If you want to bring more peace and happiness into your own life, stop subjecting others to violence and unhappiness.
We tell our children that "might does not make right," and yet we throw this high-minded idea out the window when it comes to the everyday reality of using might to humiliate, torture and kill the animals we raise for food.
Maitri-adishu balani PYS III.24:
Through compassion, strength comes. This sutra expresses a radical concept because it challenges the message of our enculturation, which is that strength comes from weakening another. The fork can be a powerful weapon of mass destruction or a tool to lead a movement of peaceful co-existence. Eating a compassionate, vegetarian diet will stop war and create peace in one's body, peace with animal nations and peace on earth.
Besides, it is very radical to be a vegetarian during these times! As Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), reminds us: "Never be afraid of seeming radical. All the best people in history have always been radical." The word radical, like the word radish, derives from rad, meaning "root." A radical is someone who attempts to dig to the root of a situation. Yogis have always been radical. Yogis search for root causes because they understand that effective change can occur only if you change a course of action from the causal point. Failure to understand this is why so many "liberating" revolutions of the past never elicited long-lasting, positive change. They dealt only with surface symptoms, not the root causes of social and cultural problems.
Yoga means "liberation.' Slavery is contrary to liberation. We can never become free by taking away the freedom of others. Through the practice of yoga, we begin to recognize ourselves as not separate from the whole, and we realize that what we do to others, we ultimately do to ourselves.
Yoga is said to be the perfection of action by the removal of selfish motivation. The yogi uses the world we live in, and the way we interact with the world, as a vehicle for transformation. A vegan diet offers an informed, intelligent, conscious and yogic way to act perfectly each time we make a choice about how we consume the world, rather than focusing on how to consume the world.
As we become more Self-confident, we become less fearful. We become less self-absorbed, and our ability to feel life all around allows us to hear what life is trying to communicate to us through nature. Through the animals and trees, water and air, the message is simple yet profound: All of life is interconnected. What we do to others affects us all. When we begin to feel this, we can free ourselves from the false idea that the earth belongs to us, and instead use our lives to benefit others. In turn, we will become happy as we discover that the best way to uplift our own lives is to do all we can to uplift the lives of others.
Watch below as Cipes and The People ask the question, Why Must We Eat The Animals?
The system of yoga, as a whole, has been described by Russell Simmons, a passionate yogi and strict vegan as, "The science of happiness. Pure yoga, that which has not been blurred by ego, competition, or fear, has always included compassion for others and ahimsa (non-harming) as the first step on our paths to happiness or Samadhi, otherwise known as Enlightenment."
Ahimsa is the Foundation of Yoga by Sri Dharma Mittra
"May the Lord bestow upon us the divine way to obtain Ahimsa. Reduce your wants and lead a happy and contented life. Never hurt the feelings of
others and be kind to all. Think of God as soon as you get up and when you go to bed."
Yama is the first of the eight limbs of Yoga. Yama is Sanskrit for restraint. The Yamas are given in order for us to practice restraining ourselves from behaviors that may not benefit us. So, to lead an honest life in word and thought, it benefits us to restrain from dishonesty by practicing Satya (truthfulness). To restrain ourselves from non-violence, causing no harm or discomfort to any living being, any creature that has eyes, a beating heart, and breath, we practice Ahimsa (non-violence or non-killing).
Of all the virtues involved in the science of yoga, there is none higher than Ahimsa. Ahimsa is the golden thread that runs through all Yoga practice and is the foundation on which all Yogis build the Divine life. In order to keep this vow we must have the right knowledge and attitude. Practice of Ahimsa develops pure, unconditional and universal love. The one message of all saints and sages is the message of love. Ahimsa is the highest of all traits found in the mind, speech and actions of all perfected souls. There is only one religion - the religion of love, of peace. There is only one message, the message of unconditional and universal love. Ahimsa is the supreme duty of a Yogi. If you are established in Ahimsa, you have attained all virtues. All virtues spring forth from Ahimsa. Ahimsa may appear to merely imply non-killing. But, non-injury is not merely non-killing. The true meaning of Ahimsa is non-harming in thought, word and action. The absence of causing any harm to any living creature. Ahimsa is true strength. No Self-realization is possible without Ahimsa. First control your physical body and do not give in to the lower and diabolical retaliation tendencies. This may be very difficult in the beginning. Remain calm, reflect and meditate. Remember the Guru and the teachings of forgiveness from all of the Masters. Very soon the old samskaras (past impressions) will begin to subside and mind will become calm. Eventually you will gain tremendous strength and resolve and the lower reactive nature will be transformed into the sublime, gentle and kind nature of the true Self.
After controlling the body, begin to control speech. Make a solemn promise to speak only loving, truthful words, mindful that no harsh words be uttered. Observe silence. Just as with the conquering of physical violence, the violent speech tendencies will slowly diminish and be gone completely.
Eventually, you will learn to conquer all thoughts involved in harming or injury. This is sometimes the most difficult samskara to conquer, but you must always remember you are not your thoughts…they are merely a product of Prakriti, or nature. But as a Yogi, we must eventually control all thought projection, and the most important of all these is to control harmful thoughts. Never think of injuring anyone. Every time an injurious thought appears, remember the One Self dwelling in all. By injuring any aspect of God, you injure your own Self. By loving any aspect of God, you love your own Self. This is pure love. The ability to place our selves in others is essential, thus how can we hurt others? It’s just impossible! In other words, you must strive for at least a small amount of self-knowledge. Then it will be understood that only one Self, or one Supreme Self dwells in all beings. It’s natural for old souls who are possessed by compassion to keep Ahimsa. In a short time they can enter the kingdom of God. Ahimsa is the foundation of yoga and all religion. Without it, we truly cannot enter the Realm of God. The mind will never settle without Ahimsa, and Meditation will be almost impossible. Remember that Yoga is the settling of the mind into silence. The imperishable force of God protects all who are rooted in Ahimsa. The practitioner of Ahimsa loses all fear and finds God very quickly, realizing the unity and oneness of Consciousness. All beings love life and have an equal right to live free from violence. The Yogi who realizes this will be in harmony with all creation. Make sure to learn to Love all.
"May the Lord bestow upon us the divine way to obtain Ahimsa. May all beings that I hurt by hands, ears, mouth, or thought accept my
apologies and allow me to pay back whatever is necessary. Oh Lord may I be punished for my transgressions. Forgive me for all sins I’ve committed, and for all that are still to come."
Why is it important for Yoga Practitioners to have a vegetarian diet?
Sri Dharma reminds his students that God is at the center of the chest. This is our spiritual heart. As he teaches, the stomach residing underneath the heart center, is therefore the Lord’s table. In this day and age, there is far greater understanding of the effects of what we put into our bodies. Better than, putting dead flesh on the Lord’s table, is drinking fresh juices and eating foods that vibrate with life. This is of great benefit to the body.
It is important to know that the production, slaughtering, and consumption of meat or animal products, and the methods by which animals are reared (animal concentration camps), in the commercial industry, are highly unethical. By not shopping at what Sri Dharma calls “the morgue," you are freeing yourself from participation and promotion of animal cruelty.
By practicing ahimsa with the smallest of creatures, we eventually become more compassionate to all beings. As we modify our diets, our bodies are cleansed of years of dead flesh that has physically, emotionally, and spiritually affected it. Our heart centers become clearer. We become more open. Where the body was once burdened, we become lighter. This lightness is also needed for asana, and all eight limbs of yoga.
Compassion, Diet, Strength & Happiness by Sharon Gannon
Compassion is an essential ingredient in the practice of ahimsa (non-harming), the first of the five yamas (ethical restraints) in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Through compassion, you begin to see yourself in other beings. This helps you refrain from causing harm to them. But developing compassion does something else that is of special interest to the yogi: It trains the mind to see past outer differences of form. The yogi begins to catch glimpses of the inner essence of other beings, which is happiness, and begins to see that every single creature desires happiness. To develop compassion, examine the motives for your actions. Are they selfish or unselfish? Proclaiming that it is acceptable to eat meat because it makes you healthier, for example, is a himsic, or "harmful," attitude because the action of eating meat stems from a selfish motive -your concern for your own personal health or enjoyment. When you realize that cows and chickens want happiness just as you do, you see them as kindred souls: the distinction between you and other beings wears thin as awareness begins to dawn.
In truth, we all share consciousness, and harm inflicted upon one being, be it animal or human, is felt by all sooner or later. Some meat eaters like to argue that vegetables have feelings too, so what difference does it make if we eat chickens or carrots? The answer is simple: Patanjali gives ahimsa as a practice, meaning that you do your best to cause the least amount of harm. And it is clear that a vegetarian diet causes the least amount of harm to the planet and to all creatures.
Generally speaking, the "disease of disconnection" plagues the human condition. As a species, we are not at ease with ourselves - with our bodies, with our minds or with our feelings. We are not at ease with others - with other human beings as well as other animals. We can be nervous, competitive, fearful and worried; we crave respect and approval while simultaneously seeking dominance and power. We certainly aren't at ease with our environment, and are constantly altering it to suit our needs or wants with little regard for how our actions impact others or the earth. This dis-ease causes all sorts of problems. We are destroying ourselves, as well as other animal species and the planet, in a misguided quest to find happiness, or ease of being.
By enslaving and abusing other animals in order to feed and clothe ourselves, we deprive them of freedom and happiness. How can we hope to be free or happy when our own lives are rooted in depriving others of the very thing we say we value most in life -the freedom to pursue happiness? If you want to bring more peace and happiness into your own life, stop subjecting others to violence and unhappiness.
We tell our children that "might does not make right," and yet we throw this high-minded idea out the window when it comes to the everyday reality of using might to humiliate, torture and kill the animals we raise for food.
Maitri-adishu balani PYS III.24:
Through compassion, strength comes. This sutra expresses a radical concept because it challenges the message of our enculturation, which is that strength comes from weakening another. The fork can be a powerful weapon of mass destruction or a tool to lead a movement of peaceful co-existence. Eating a compassionate, vegetarian diet will stop war and create peace in one's body, peace with animal nations and peace on earth.
Besides, it is very radical to be a vegetarian during these times! As Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), reminds us: "Never be afraid of seeming radical. All the best people in history have always been radical." The word radical, like the word radish, derives from rad, meaning "root." A radical is someone who attempts to dig to the root of a situation. Yogis have always been radical. Yogis search for root causes because they understand that effective change can occur only if you change a course of action from the causal point. Failure to understand this is why so many "liberating" revolutions of the past never elicited long-lasting, positive change. They dealt only with surface symptoms, not the root causes of social and cultural problems.
Yoga means "liberation.' Slavery is contrary to liberation. We can never become free by taking away the freedom of others. Through the practice of yoga, we begin to recognize ourselves as not separate from the whole, and we realize that what we do to others, we ultimately do to ourselves.
Yoga is said to be the perfection of action by the removal of selfish motivation. The yogi uses the world we live in, and the way we interact with the world, as a vehicle for transformation. A vegan diet offers an informed, intelligent, conscious and yogic way to act perfectly each time we make a choice about how we consume the world, rather than focusing on how to consume the world.
As we become more Self-confident, we become less fearful. We become less self-absorbed, and our ability to feel life all around allows us to hear what life is trying to communicate to us through nature. Through the animals and trees, water and air, the message is simple yet profound: All of life is interconnected. What we do to others affects us all. When we begin to feel this, we can free ourselves from the false idea that the earth belongs to us, and instead use our lives to benefit others. In turn, we will become happy as we discover that the best way to uplift our own lives is to do all we can to uplift the lives of others.
Watch below as Cipes and The People ask the question, Why Must We Eat The Animals?
