Peace, not just "non-violence"

The word ahimsa is often translated as "non-violence", but his is not exactly correct.

Himsa means "violence" and a means the opposite of a thing. So more than non-violence, ahimsa means peace.

Consider this: even in non-violence, violence exists by merely considering it, even if considering it as non-action. Whereas peace is always peace.

A perfect example of this is idea was seen in Mother Theresa's request to participate in a anti-war rally. She said, "I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there."

Mother Theresa new that anti-war still evoke the energy of war. Likewise, ahimsa still invokes the energy of violence when we translate it as non-violence.

For some, the idea of violence is far removed from them, mostly because violence is thought to be something that occurs in a war zone, for example. Yet, people are violent everyday.

When someone makes fun of someone else, that is violence. When laughing at a comedian who riducules people, that is violence. When eating junk food or over doing exercise, that is violence. When sleeping too much, eating too much, or anything in excess, that is violence. When taking pills for every complaint, when drinking coffee or alcohol, this is violence. When overly concerned about appearance - make-up, clothing, this is violence. When engaged in negative thoughts - 'Im stupid', 'Im too fat', 'I hate my hair', this is violence.

In Yoga, I often remind the students that, "flexibility is a state of mind", meaning that, when the mind is flexible and open and willing to flow with changes, then the body will follow. So it is that when we engage in the examples above, thinking and doing and having violent thoughts, the body will follow.

Think peace and the mind will be filled with peace. Think peace and peace will fill the body with peace. Think peace and others around you will experience that peace and bring it into themselves.

Om Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi