Ahimsa means entire abstinence
from causing any pain or harm to any living creature.
The characters in this drawing mean Ahimsa.
Taking a look at the first part of the meaning of Ahimsa we begin to see what a feat being Ahimsic really is. By practicing Ahimsa we refrain from causing pain to others. It is easy for most people to abstain from physically injuring other beings. However, we must remember that pain can be produced not only by physical actions, but also by words and thoughts as well. When being truly Ahimsic, we exude love through our actions, our words, and even our thoughts.
Thinking only loving thoughts is a great challenge! I immediately begin to create excuses for my thought patterns. I recall the person who ran me off the road last night, potentially harming me. In my head I was being quite violent towards them. A more Ahimsic approach would be wish that driver arrives at their destination on time and in a safe manor.
The second part of Ahimsa, explains that we must extend compassion to all living creatures. We must increase our loving kindness to include all people, all animals, and even plants. Through our actions, words, and thoughts we should not harm even ants!? This aspect of the practice of Ahimsa makes it go from very difficult to impossible. That’s right, impossible. No one can go through life without harming anything (bacteria, cells). However, if we use this as a guideline, the world will be a more loving place. Each of us must choose the level of Ahimsic practice to which we can commit.
Everyday we can make a commitment to act, speak, and think lovingly. Although we may fail a hundred times each day, there will be a few victories. Over time we may find the victories begin to increase and possibly outnumber the failures. If they don’t, don’t scold yourself…remember you must be Ahimsic toward yourself.
If you would like to learn more about Ahimsa, Sri Swami Sivananda has a wonderful chapter in his book Divine Bliss that is completely about Ahimsa. The chapter can be found online at www.dlshq.org/teachings/ahimsa.htm. It is just a few pages long and well worth your exploration.
