Chapter 3

Ahimsa

Ahimsa

The principle of non-violence, encompassing physical action, speech, and thought, aiming to avoid harm towards others and oneself.

Non-Violence in Thought

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining non-violence in thoughts as they can impact others energetically and psychologically.

Protection From Negative Thoughts

Strategies like meditation, positive thinking, and seeking support to shield oneself from negative energies and thoughts.

Violence Against Oneself

Refers to harmful behaviors towards oneself such as negative thinking, self-sabotage, and abuse of substances.

Ego, Suffering, and Self-Awareness

Discusses the relationship between ego, self-awareness, and suffering, highlighting the differences in suffering between humans and animals.

Pain is Relative

Explains that the perception of pain is subjective and influenced by one's ego, self-awareness, and sensitivity.

How to Practise Ahimsa

Involves cultivating qualities like understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy to embody non-violence.

Dealing with Verbal Attacks

Encourages understanding and peaceful responses to verbal attacks, avoiding immediate emotional reactions.

Take Your Time

Advises taking time to respond thoughtfully, understanding the situation, and maintaining peace in challenging circumstances.

Dealing with Repeated Attacks

Suggests steps to protect oneself from repeated attacks, including maintaining boundaries and removing oneself from harmful situations.

Ahimsa

The core principle of non-violence, encouraging individuals to rise above violence, consider the value of their soul, and aim to protect the ego by understanding the true nature of the self as a soul.

Martial Arts

Originally Created for Self-Defence:The origins of martial arts in yoga monasteries for self-defense, emphasizing techniques to defend without causing excessive harm and redirecting opponents' momentum.

When is Violence Acceptable?

Explores the nuances of non-violence, self-defence, and protection, considering situations where violence may be justified.

Non-violence

The principle of not causing harm or responding with violence, as exemplified by Gandhi and Christ's teachings of forgiveness and using non-retaliation to overcome opposition.

Asteya

Non-stealing:The concept of refraining from stealing, which includes taking physical objects, money, ideas, intellectual property, and even intangible things like peace of mind or joy.

Motivation, Intention, and Drivers

The importance of considering one's motivation, intention, and circumstances in actions like self-defense, where pure intentions can justify actions like protecting oneself or others.

Aparigraha

Non-Coveting and Non-Hoarding:The practice of letting go of coveting and hoarding possessions, emphasizing the absence of greed, envy, and the negative impacts of excessive desire and hoarding.

Brahmacharya

Observance of God’s Will:The concept of following God's will, which involves aligning one's actions with spiritual principles and avoiding actions driven by selfish desires or coveting.

Brahmacharya

Living life by the rules and precepts of God, focusing on the study of or engagement with God/Spirit.

Ojas

Reproductive fluids containing the best nutrients from various organs like brain tissue, muscle, bone marrow, and blood.

Satya

Upholding truthfulness, bringing one closer to God who embodies "Truth-Consciousness-Bliss."

Universal Truth

Fundamental principles like love, happiness, and peace that are common to all beings, transcending subjective beliefs.

White Lie

A gentle untruth told to avoid hurting someone unnecessarily, often without karmic repercussions.

Inner Brahmacharya

Being internally devoted to scriptures and God, avoiding attachments and remaining pure and strict with yoga.

Wisdom

The instinct for truth, discerning right behavior and developing the soul's inner voice, often cultivated through meditation.