Please first read how this series is placed in context with The Guest House, by Rumi – click here.

AHIMSA

My main objective in this blog is to promote the idea that AHIMSA (non-violence and loving kindness) is a broad spectrum that can encompass many ways of valuing peace in life.

I get asked a lot, “Are you vegan?”

I always wonder… what is the tenet behind this question, and who is the tenant that’s asking?

Is the question coming from the belief that a healthy diet is one without animal products, or is it coming from the belief in protecting animal rights? Is the questioning welcoming compassion into the Guest House, or is the question sweeping away what doesn’t fit into a particular framework of belief, actions, and attitudes.

Veganism is a primary way for people to be non-violent by abstaining from animal products and advocating against animal exploitation. However, it is also a way people focus on their personal health. Therefore, the point-blank statement, in-and-of itself, does not signify a particular way towards peace. For example, your reason to be a Vegan can be based on your personal health, and it can also expand into other values of animal rights and sustainable food production.

I would also like to add that for many people, eating meat is a valuable source of nutrients for immunity and health. Seeking farmer’s markets and farm-to-table options is one way of being health conscious and practicing AHIMSA while incorporating meat and/or animal products in their diet.

Point Blank –

• I am vegan.
• I don’t eat meat.
• I am health conscious.
• I avoid animal products.

All Encompassing –

• I value animal rights.
• I value sustainable food production.
• I value plant-based dietary health.
• I value an organic lifestyle.

It is natural for our ego to strengthen with point blank beliefs and while we do need strong and healthy egos, we also must give space for our character to improve.  Our character improves through the context of larger values rather than simply believing, acting, and being one way, or another.

To hit the home run in AHIMSA, you must bridge the gap between a point-blank ego and valuable character. The character often lays under the ego, and you have to dig it out.

I have a teacher-friend who is Vegan and she says honestly, “I’m still learning to love.” Being vegan is one way she nurtures the growth of her character in love, and she doesn’t lie about the struggle in having to dig for it.

However, being Vegan doesn’t have to be the only gateway to AHIMSA. Other actions based on your personal values might be your gateway to non-violence such as methods of communicating and parenting, or acts of gardening, home care, and teaching, etc.

We don’t always realize how our words and expressions can be subtle (or not-so-subtle) triggers of violence. My primary path towards AHIMSA begins in the way I communicate with others. It’s not always sparkling eye contact with a warm smile. Sometimes it’s a respect for personal space, or even an instinct for personal protection. Other times it’s restraining impulsive reactions!

When road rage happens, AHIMSA checks-in and tells me to contain it and give the person in another car the benefit of the doubt. When adversity happens, AHIMSA checks-in and tells me to bite my tongue until I can come up with a non-violent way of asserting the situation.

Another path towards AHIMSA is in choosing to align your dollar with conscious companies that benefit charities and global causes. AHIMSA enters the shopping cart to check product labels for non-toxic ingredients and no animal testing.

My favorite path of AHIMSA is in taking care of my puppy dog, Violet. The connection of loving kindness is immediately rewarding because she is full of love, covered in fur, and abundant with kisses.

Take a moment to check in with your path of AHIMSA.

Ask yourself:

1. Are you practicing ahimsa in one way? Two, three, four, or more ways?
2. How are you practicing ahimsa?
3. Are you collectively practicing ahimsa?
4. How are you practicing ahimsa collectively in your community, family, and country?

What kinds of AHIMSA tenants do you welcome to your Guest House?

Leave me a comment and let me know how you practice this first tenet of Yoga.

Read, Rumi’s poem The Guest House to refresh your spirit to welcome the tenants of YOGA