Ahimsa: The Path of Non-Violence

In the book "The Art and Science of Raja Yoga" it is explained that Yogananda took Ahimsa to a level beyond the physical. In the 4th chapter it deals with the Yama's... the don'ts.  Ahimsa is translated often as "do no harm." 

It states, "The principle of ahimsa must be understood in the subtle ways, not only in gross.  If you harm anyone in the slightest way - if, for example, you kill his enthusiasm (which is in a sense the life within him), or if you deride him, or if you treat him with disrespect - in all of these ways you will be harming him and also, by reflection, yourself. 

This is an important teaching for me, for in it is my guideline for daily life.  The bread of my spiritual life is this message. Harm none in Body, Speach or Mind - my lama used to say.

When you no longer have fear...

Tonight I was listening to a lecture from a online class at Ananda's Online. This particular class was on Raja Yoga. I was listening to a lecture on Class 2. It was by Swami Kriyananda and it was titled: "Pathways to God, Heart, Head and Hands."

He says something really great... he says:

When one looks at the inner self trying, not at the outer self threatening... When you no longer have fear in your own heart you no longer feel a sense of judgement or anger against other people because you don't care how they treat you. If they want to hit you, threaten you, talk about you - it doesn't matter... it's all God

Daily Inspiration from Ananda.org

This inspiration quote was taken from:
http://www.ananda.org/inspiration/daily/


Depend on nothing outside yourself.

Find freedom inwardly, by letting no outer circumstance condition your happiness.

If a desire arises in your heart, and suggests that something outside yourself will bring you happiness, offer the desire to God. For it is utterly certain—this knowledge is derived from mankind’s experience throughout all known history—that in Him alone lies true happiness.