THE PRINCIPLE OF NON-VIOLENCE lies at the heart of yoga, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves, with kindness and compassion and free from violence in thought, word or action. The basis on non-violence is to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.
IT IS ALSO NECESSARY to bring the practice of non-violence and compassion into every aspect of our private and work life. As yoga teachers and therapists, we have the responsibility to refrain from abusing our position or power and exploiting anybody for serving our self-interest without respect and concern for the their situation.
WE THEREFORE CALL UPON ALL MEN AND WOMEN in the path of yoga ~ to restore non-violence to the centre of Yoga practice – to return to the ancient principle of Ahimsa - to ensure that our students and their students are guided and inspired by our actions and the way we lead our lives. With millions of people practising yoga world wide, may we spread the power of kindness and mindfulness around us so that we can weaken the seeds of violence in the collective consciousness.
WE URGENTLY NEED to make non-violence an active, dynamic practice in our daily life. Rooted in self-discipline, deep inner awareness and purposeful positive intentions and actions, we can breakdown and transcend our self-centred nature. We consciously choose not to seek self-gratification at the cost of another human being, we choose not to be driven by our insecurities and struggle for power and control. When non-violence becomes the backdrop of our life, when it purifies our intentions and guides our actions, real yoga can be experienced and taught, the yoga that is taught is then like the fragrance of the fruits of our actions… sowing seeds of non-violence and kindness far and wide, creating and sustaining a world that is more happy and peaceful – for generations to come.
Living the principle of non violence means letting it shape how we move through every part of life, both on the mat and beyond it. Yoga invites practitioners to step out of the centre of their own world and place another person there, recognising the inviolable dignity that belongs to every human being. This awareness calls for fairness and respect in thought, speech and action, extending compassion into workplaces, families and communities. As teachers and students carry these values forward, the practice of non violence becomes a quiet discipline that transforms relationships and creates spaces where kindness can be felt as deeply as any posture is held.