What does “Do No Harm” mean in yoga?
In the ancient philosophical teachings of yoga, there are principles related to the world around us called Yamas. Ahimsa, often interpreted as “do no harm” translates to not harming others, ourselves, or nature, and is always listed as the first of the Yamas. Many commentators have noted that this is because it is the most important. In addition to being a core practice in yoga, Ahimsa is also a foundational principle of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Long before I learned the word Ahimsa in my yoga teacher training, I had a sense of the concept. I innately understood Ahimsa as a feeling deep in my soul and the cells of my body. I had witnessed it with awe as a trait, presence, aura in others who are evolved and living a higher state of being. I believe it is a natural born state of being as a human that is impacted and diminishes as we experience harm ourselves. The Hindu sage Ramana Maharshi said this “eternal, blissful, and natural state has been smothered by life.” As imperfect human beings, it requires commitment to consciously practice Ahimsa (non-violence or non-harm) in our thoughts, intentions, and behaviors.
In learning more about yoga I have begun to consider the word Ahimsa as synonymous with the word “pause.” It is a gentleness, a cautious stillness, the practice of taking a few a breaths before speaking or acting. Pausing, breathing, observing, and empathizing with ourselves and others before choosing our words, tones, behaviors, and thoughts moves us closer to non-harm and living with more compassion, kindness, acceptance, and peace. I have taken time to notice the difference this intention makes in my interactions with my family, pets, community, strangers, and myself.
Trauma sensitive yoga (TCTSY) facilitators offer an Ahimsa-aligned experience by being kind, compassionate, and gentle, emphasizing options and choice, and empowering participants to connect to their bodies in a non-harming way. Being aware of potential triggers, using invitational language, and not using physical, hands-on assists promotes safety, encourages self-acceptance, and gives participants the space to choose based on where their bodies are in the moment and having compassion for wherever that is, directing their own pathways to healing.
Contributing to anti-oppression and social justice activism begins with Ahimsa. This means viewing others, especially those we disagree with, through a non-harming, compassionate lens. If we practice letting go of shame, guilt, and victimization, avoid generalizing and labeling, and pause to be curious, listen, and understand, we build empathy, and identify and acknowledge our own biases. As part of a much greater whole, doing harm against ourselves causes harm to others, and likewise, to harm others or to cause harm to the environment brings harm to ourselves. Ahimsa is about striving to live in harmony with all living things by being mindful of thoughts, words, or actions that prevent ourselves and others from growing and living freely.