Reflections on ahimsa: non-violence and loving-kindness

by Teacher Benedict Bernabe
IntroductionThe Sanskrit word ahimsa (अहिंसा) means "not to injure", "non-harming" or "non-violence". It comes from the Sanskrit root hiṃs, which means "to strike". Hiṃsā means "injury or harm", and a-hiṃsā is the opposite, meaning "cause no injury, do no harm".

Ahimsa or "non-violence" is not an external act of eliminating violence from our actions in the external world, but the total absence of the violent nature in our personality. This violence is expressed not only in one's interactions with other people or living beings, but also with oneself in the form of an emotion, thought, desire, feeling, motivation, or ambition. Anything that disrupts the natural flow of human perception and consciousness is himsa.

To practice ahimsa, we must remove violence from our own nature. Therefore, we have to practice gentle loving-kindess not just to others but also to ourselves. It doesn't mean accepting or tolerating abuse or pain. It means avoiding reacting negatively or violently. Ultimately, we cultivate a totally non-reactionary within us, which leads to non-attachment.

Prompt questions
Here are some reflective prompts to explore the yogic yama of ahimsa or "non-violence":
Ahimsa towards the Self

1. In what ways do I practice non-violence toward myself—physically, emotionally, and mentally?
2. Are there thoughts or habits I have that cause harm to my well-being? How can I shift them?
3. How do I respond to conflict in my life? Am I approaching it with compassion or aggression?

Ahimsa in my Personal Relationships

1. How do I express ahimsa in my words and actions toward others?
2. Are there situations where I unintentionally harm others? How can I bring more awareness to those moments?
3. How do I handle disagreements or criticisms? Am I able to respond without causing harm?

Ahimsa in the World I create and live in

1. How do my choices—such as the food I eat, the products I buy, or the way I consume resources—align with the principle of ahimsa?
2. In what ways can I contribute to creating a more compassionate and non-violent community?
3. Are there systemic forms of harm I am indirectly supporting? How can I act to reduce them?

Spiritual and Energetic Reflection

1. How does practicing ahimsa affect my inner peace and spiritual growth?
2. Can I forgive myself and others for past actions that may have caused harm?
3. How can I bring more mindfulness to each moment to ensure I’m living with greater non-violence?

At the end of your reflection, relax the mind. The goal is not to completely eliminate violence right after reading this email but to increase our awareness of himsa in our lives that we can eliminate through mindfulness and create a mindset that is more conducive to loving-kindness moving forward.