Yama1 - Ahimsa ( Non Violence)

Ability to react in a non threatening manner to stimulus. This occurs when the stimulus is contrary to our Dharma. Ahimsa is the ability to control anger, frustration and negative emotion while giving positive feedback.

To understand non-violence, one must understand violence & its relationship to anger, fear, frustration, ambition and power.

Violence covers a vast spectrum, from subtle abuse to genocide where entire populations are exterminated. It also includes killing of animals, plants and all elements of nature with which we need to live in harmony. It includes injury to the self.

Control is incredibly difficult. Control requires a heightened state of awareness for to stop violence one must catch it as it develops. Control of this element is the key to progress in stress management and Situational Awareness.

There are 3 types of violence: Tamasic (confused), Rajasic (Passionate) & Sattvic (Balanced).

Tamasic violence comes out of lack of knowledge and is driven primarily by fear and confusion.

Example: All forms of segregation and separation, whether of colour, caste, religion or creed arise out of ignorance because there can be no difference between living beings.

Rajasic violence primarily out of passion and is driven by emotions such as anger, lust, greed, ambition etc.

Example: All forms of sexual assaults are driven by Rajas.

Sattvic violence is very difficult to achieve and is characterized by high communication and patience.

Example: A parent scolding a truant child. When the parent is trying to push his or her own agenda on the child, then it is Tamasic. When the parent scolds the child because he or she is afraid of what society will say, then it is Rajasic. When the parent scolds the child for deviation of a value that has been explained often, then the reason is Sattvic. This is characterized by the parent trying to separate the person from the problem. Violence is used as a tool to drive home a point after various methods such as sama (discussion), dana (inducement), bedha (discord) have failed.

Share your opinion and experiences

• Can we control anger?

• How do we control anger?

• What happens when things go wrong?

• How important is communication in managing anger?

• Importance of patience in management of violence.

• Does our ability to control violence improve with age?

• How do you convert a Tamasic anger to Sattvic anger? Try it today…