Introduction
Ahimsa is an ancient Sanskrit term that is often translated as “non-harm,” and it is a cornerstone of many Eastern philosophies, religious practices, and ethical codes.
In a nutshell, ahimsa refers to the practice of avoiding all forms of physical and psychological harm. In this modern era, where negative thoughts, words, and deeds are so widespread, it is important to understand and practice the wisdom of ahimsa, even though it might feel like an uphill battle.
This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of what ahimsa is, how it can be practiced in thought, words, and deeds, and most importantly, simple steps you can take to start incorporating ahimsa into your life.
What is Ahimsa?
Ahimsa is a philosophy of nonviolence and compassion that has its roots in India, first appearing in early Vedic scriptures. It lies at the heart of Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and other Eastern philosophies – it is essentially a way of life.
It is believed to bring about spiritual growth and personal transformation. At its most basic, it is the practice of living in a way that avoids causing physical or mental harm to oneself or anyone else.
Ahimsa goes beyond just avoiding physical harm to include other types of harm such as verbal abuse, gossip, manipulating others, stealing, etc. It is about having a greater awareness of how your actions affect yourself and others.
How to Practice Ahimsa in Thought
In order to live an ahimsa-centered life, the most important step is to practice ahimsa in thought. This means paying attention to the thoughts that arise in your mind and trying to make sure that they are not laced with fear, violence, or condemnation.
It is important to be mindful of your thoughts and to recognize when they are negative or angry. When this happens, it is important to take steps to consciously shift your thoughts away from judgement, anger, and fear towards more compassionate and understanding thoughts. One way to do this is to think of some soothing phrase or mantra, like “I am love” or “I wish peace for all beings”, which can be a powerful reminder to stay focused on ahimsa, even during times of distress.
How to Practice Ahimsa in Words
Ahimsa-centered living also requires being mindful of the words that you say. This means practicing self-control to refrain from saying hurtful or condemning things, even if you are angry or in disagreement with someone.
Instead of lashing out with harsh words, try to remain calm and open-minded and approach conversations with empathy and understanding. This can be a difficult task, especially in emotionally charged situations, but it is incredibly important when it comes to living in accordance with the principles of ahimsa.
How to Practice Ahimsa in Deeds
Practicing ahimsa in deed is the most complex aspect of ahimsa, as it involves assessing your daily actions and how they may cause harm to yourself and others.
This can involve making ethical decisions when it comes to food and other consumer choices, refraining from violent behavior, and being more mindful of the ways in which your actions can cause harm.
It is about taking action to make sure that the small everyday choices we make are in alignment with ahimsa. This means doing things such as recycling, buying food that is sourced ethically, and being conscious of the effect our actions have on others.
Conclusion
Overall, ahimsa is a complex and important concept that incorporates many different aspects of life. From being mindful of your own thoughts, to practicing non-harm in words, and making ethical lifestyle choices, ahimsa provides an essential moral code of conduct necessary for living a morally justifiable life.
Incorporating the three pillars of ahimsa – thought, words, and deeds – will go a long way in making sure that we are living in accordance with the ahimsa-centered lifestyle.
