Ahimsa: Kindness as Courage

Yoga Sutra 2.35

Ahimsa-pratiṣṭhāyām tat-sannidhau vaira-tyāgaḥ

Translation: When one is firmly established in ahimsa (non-violence), hostility ceases in their presence. Anecdotally, the Buddhas disciples were wary of meditating deep in the forest, for fear a wild animal might attack. HIs reply was, ‘For someone firmly established in their loving-kindness… even wild animals will become tame, around them!’

On the Mat

Every time you step onto your mat, you are practicing ahimsa.

You move your body with care.
You breathe instead of rush.
You soften instead of criticize.

The physical practice itself is an act of kindness — tending to your strength, your flexibility, your nervous system. But the deeper practice is internal.

It’s replacing “I’m not good at this” with “I’m learning.”
It’s staying patient when balance wobbles.
It’s offering yourself grace when the pose feels hard.

That compassionate inner voice — that is powerful ahimsa.

Off the Mat

When we practice patience with ourselves, we become better at offering patience to others.

The mat is rehearsal for life.

Because the people who are hardest to love are often the ones who need love the most. Meeting them with steadiness and dignity takes courage.

Kindness is not weakness. It is strength under control. It is choosing to stay open when it would be easier to withdraw. It’s an unwavering commitment to keeping our hearts open, against all odds.

To practice ahimsa is to recognize our interconnectedness — to see value and humanity in everyone we meet.

As John Lennon once sang in “Instant Karma!”:

     “Better recognize your brothers… everyone you meet.”

This month, let your practice be your training ground.

Begin with yourself.
Let it ripple outward.

Kindness, practiced daily, becomes courage in action.