DAY 5 : MAY 17
Ahimsa
Among all the yamas Ahimsa is the most important.
Ahimsa is non-harming in thought, word and action. Not to cause harm, but to live in harmony. Ahimsa in a positive sense can be considered; reverence for life, compassion and loving kindness.
The Dalai Lama speaks often of the practice of Ahimsa:
Answering questions from the audience His Holiness said that ‘ahimsa’ doesn’t fall from the sky; it comes of cultivating a warm heart within. Asked if there were even situations when ‘ahimsa’ is inappropriate, he replied that ‘ahimsa’ non-violence and non-harm are the proper solution to any human problem. When a member of the audience asked how to respond to the rape and murder of her friends, he said:
“Ask yourself if getting angry would solve the problem and make it better. Anger and feelings of revenge only disturb your own peace of mind. The 8th century Indian master Shantideva gave advice that I find practical and realistic. ‘If there is a way to solve a problem, there is no need to worry about it and if there is no way to solve a problem, worry won’t help.’ “
~ From: Talks on Ethics and Ahimas, September 21, 2015
Ahimsa takes tremendous strength. Jesus taught to, “love your enemy and turn the other cheek.” He also said, “be wise like serpents, and harmless like doves.”
“Jesus recognized the need for blending opposites. He knew that his disciples would face a difficult and hostile world, where they would confront the recalcitrance of political officials and the intransigence of the protectors of the old order. He knew that they would meet cold and arrogant men whose hearts had been hardened by the long winter of traditionalism. … And he gave them a formula for action, "Be ye therefore as wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” … We must combine the toughness of the serpent with the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.“
~ Martin Luther King
