For context, See article, "Beginning the Journey" by Judith Lasater at:
http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/462?utm_source=Wisdom&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=Wisdom
The first yama is perhaps the most famous one: ahimsa, usually translated as "nonviolence." This refers not only to physical violence, but also to the violence of words or thoughts. What we think about ourselves or others can be as powerful as any physical attempt to harm. To practice ahimsa is to be constantly vigilant, to observe ourselves in interaction with others and to notice our thoughts and intentions. Try practicing ahimsa by observing your thoughts when a smoker sits next to you. Your thoughts may be just as damaging to you as his cigarette is to him.
It is often said that if one can perfect the practice of ahimsa, one need learn no other practice of yoga, for all the other practices are subsumed in it. Whatever practices we do after the yamas must include ahimsa as well. Practicing breathing or postures without ahimsa, for example, negates the benefits these practices offer.
...I read this and was struck by how it resembles Jesus' words about Love:Matthew 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
...And Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.
...Although I suspect one cannot ever fully integrate two disparate worldviews without causing one or the other to diminish its message[s], there do often appear points of agreement...
Comments
Here in Prescott there are several Yoga centers. I have been told, though, that the local Mormons dislike them because they fear the other religion. That seems sad to me, because It seems to me that the article articulates ideas that can be quite useful in living a morally rich life.
Both good points! I have had some training in meditation from [1] Buddhist and [1] Hindu yogi; both endorse dealing with inner hatred--as did Christ--as a starting point...I suspect this is a common [essential?] spiritual thread...