Patanjali, author of the Yoga Sutra, presented in the second
chapter of his book five ethical precepts called yamas. The
yamas were designed as a basic guideline for living a life of
personal fulfillment that also benefits society. The consequence
of not following these teachings, according to Patanjali, is our
continued suffering. The first yama is known as ahimsa, which is
typically translated as “nonviolence” or the avoidance of
violence. Ahimsa refers to physical violence as well as the
violence of thoughts and words. In this way, it is believed that
our negative thoughts about ourselves and others can be as
powerful and damaging as physical attempts to harm. Ahimsa, in
its entirety, refers to the total rejection of inflicting pain
or harm – whether it be by thought, word or deed – to any and
all living creatures. The practice of ahimsa includes constant
vigilance and observation of ourselves when interacting with
others, taking note of our thoughts and our intentions. Ahimsa
prohibits the killing or inju