Ahimsa..."Ahem Ahem"

As you may have guessed, Yoga is more than just a series of pretzel-poses. There's an entire philosophy and way of life that accompanies the yogic path. I hesitate to say religion, because although Buddhism and Hinduism have direct links to yoga's evolution, there's much more freedom within it's bounds that can be discovered and applied on an individual basis.

The Yamas and Niyamas, they are called...ethical and individual disciplines that ironically come in a list of ten (five and five). No, they aren't "commandments", but can be seen in the same light; the Yamas and Niyamas are rules to live by that transcend everything: creed, time, age, location, sex, gender...the list goes on.

Ahimsa

I'm not surprised I am writing about the first Yama, Ahimsa, given it's literal meaning. Ahimsa is the absence of violence, killing, and harming. It's biggest notion is that violence only arises when fear is present, a concept that is so true, yet I think so overlooked. War, crime, murder...all horrific things, yet only come about when the perpetrator(s) are afraid for their loved ones, their countries, and even themselves. Therefore, according to this first Yama, freedom from such fear can only inevitably breed love. Not much more powerful than that. 

Now I am no soldier, no criminal (save for that one time stealing some dates from Whole Foods), nor have violent thoughts other than in Los Angeles traffic. In regards to this first Yama of Ahimsa, I immediately revert to the violence that goes uncharted and kept from the public eye. Ahimsa has everything and anything to do with non-violence towards the most unprotected among us: those of the non-human species. 

Animal cruelty runs rampant and unfortunately unregarded in today's world. Even in the wealthiest country on the planet, the United States does little to encourage compassion towards animals, especially those in the factory farm industry. Over ten-billion farm animals are killed each year, under inhumane and unsanitary conditions, with no voice to save themselves. Now, argument has it that this is the way it's "supposed to be". I honestly don't know what that means. The way what was supposed to be? Is it the human condition that has allowed us to be so inconsiderate of another species that we provide only protection to our own? Who's to say where to draw the line? I know a number of people who certainly wouldn't put roast dog on the dinner table, so what makes it okay for turkey, ham, or steak to fill it's place? 

I am vegan for this reason. Because I find no use in fueling my body with decomposing flesh. I want to exude strength and joy and peace...non-violence. And my 13-year-old plant based diet has yet to let me down. Becoming vegan was one of the best gifts I've given to myself; I've discovered a new energy, enthusiasm for my expanding palate, and about a million new ways to cook a yam (and the same amount of reasons not to skin a cat).

I bet the large majority of serious yogi's are at least vegetarian. If one is to live at least halfway sutra-savvy, and want to practice at least a degree of non-violence, I can only argue you probably shouldn't be eating animals. It's interesting actually, because as I learned more about the Yamas and Niyamas in last night's teacher training, I realized more discipline than one relate to a disciplined diet. Saucha, the first Niyama (which are the individual disciplines), discusses the body as a vessel of purity that is simply with us to facilitate the energy we take in and put out. The purity of food is essential, therefore, according to Saucha. If we have "harmony with our food", we have "harmony with the body", and eventually "harmony with the world".

And I think that's what we all want, deep down. To feel harmony. Am I wrong? So, here's my two-cents....ahem ahem. Take the Ahimsa's advice, and "ahem...ahem" go vegan.