Ahimsa - what is this? The principle of ahimsa. Indian Philosophy Briefly

The principle of non-violence, as well as not causing harm to any species of living beings (neither by deed, word, nor thought) is called ahimsa. Today, the main ideas of a philosophy of this kind for some may seem unacceptable for survival in modern conditions, but Mahatma Gandhi said: "The greatness of the nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats animals." And here it is worthwhile to think about where humanity follows in the era of scientific and technological progress.

The greatest human virtue is Ahimsa

If one ponders whether an ideological basis is acceptable to a person today, such as ahimsa, that this is for each of the people, many questions and contradictions may arise in the head. But one thing is clear: if an individual decided to change for the better and took a pious and vegetarian lifestyle as a basis, he could no longer ignore this view. In his behavior, a clear desire to live in harmony, respect for the whole surrounding world.

Ahimsa - practice for the strong in spirit

Love and compassion for people is one of the fundamental principles of this spiritual practice. In the Bhagavad-gita, one of the most revered religious texts of the Hindus, it is said that no one should be harmed, one must be friendly and help those in distress. Also, you should not be proud of your achievements, position in society, property, family, wife, children. You need to be cool in joy, and in sorrow, patient, satisfied with what is available, and not try to get more.

Development of cordiality

Particular attention should be paid to the principle of ahimsa, such as non-violence, which refers to the first of the Yamas in yoga. It contained both the slaughter of animals and the practice of vegetarianism. Here the words of the great Russian philanthropist and humanist Leo Tolstoy, who called for people to live on high moral and spiritual principles, will be relevant. He said: "A society that treats animals badly will always be a beggar and a criminal. From killing an animal to killing a person is one step. "

It is important to understand that the refusal to eat meat and other products of cruelty is not yet an indication that the individual has grown affiliated with a virtuous philosophy. Its concept is actually much wider.

Ahimsa and Practice

Indian philosophy is very useful for studying modern man . In brief, you can set out the rules that must be followed when ahimsa.

Vegetarianism

This is the initial and the most simple practice. But for some, there are pitfalls here, but all because a person basically absorbs the food that resonates with the vibrations of his inner state. This was said by the ancient sages, the modern scientific world holds the same opinion.

To eat meat as meat is a veiled desire to commit violence, and thanks to vegetarianism, this trend can be safely disposed of. The main thing here is not to fall into a few traps that lie in wait for inexperienced practitioners: a sharp transition from one food system to another can cause health problems, for example, intoxication, especially in the elderly. It takes time to cleanse the body of the cadavers that have accumulated in it for years.

Forcing oneself not to eat meat can lead to psychological discomfort, which provokes an internal rejection of this food system. The transition from one product to another must proceed consciously, naturally. Vegetarianism from under the stick will not last very long and in terms of spiritual development will not bring any results.

Non-violence against the outside world

This includes the refusal to cause harm to all surrounding not only in actions and words, but also in thoughts. Some believe that it is very difficult to perform ahimsa, that it is It is impossible for an ordinary person. But specific methods for understanding this practice will help. In this case, meditation is used. The person should relax, enter the abstracted state and concentrate on the heart center (Anahata chakra), after which one mentally needs to start pronouncing affirmations:

- "I love everyone".

"I wish everyone happiness."

"Let all beings be happy."

You can use other similar kind of treatment, invented independently. At the time of such meditation, you need to monitor your internal state. It is important to be concentrated, focused on the present moment, not to swim into reflections, not to yield to sleepiness.

Non-violence over self

It is not recommended to fall into excessive asceticism, any kind of self-flagellation. "Spiritually advanced" masochists are offered meditation on every organ of their body, where love and gratitude are sent to him for his service to man. At this point, you need to imagine how he rejoices and smiles at the attention shown.

All of life can be comprehended by Indian philosophy, briefly conveying some of its aspects is not so simple. But it is important to distinguish for yourself the main thing: when you comprehend Unconditional Love to everything around you, first of all, you should not avoid caring yourself.

Conscious meditation on the form of violence

Here we analyze how we manifest violence in everyday life. It is necessary to reflect on how to eliminate these negative aspects. This practice is one of the most effective in mastering ahimsa.

Ahimsa: what is this for a modern man?

To know the concept of Divine Love is not so simple as it might seem from the beginning. It has nothing to do with the traditional understanding of love. History revealed to humanity the lives of the greatest missions, prophets. Jesus was crucified, Mohammed was stoned, the great Sufi Mansur indulged in so cruel tortures that even his skin got off him. Virtually all saints had enemies, but they demonstrated with their ascetic life that the most important thing on the spiritual path is non-resistance even to those who are eager to cause harm.

The life-giving power of Love

Deeper immersion in the practice of ahimsa gives an understanding that it is necessary to eliminate a complex of hostility. Non-conviction, non-resistance to evil by violence at first glance seems illogical. Some may at first seem unjust to Ahims, that it is too helpless and unjustified for society. But revealing this kind of compassion in oneself is already a step of a high level of realization on the spiritual path.

Gradually anyone can come to this through awareness of the impulses of his mind towards condemnation, discussion. Here it is necessary to be loyal, positive and all-embracing to everything that one has to face in everyday life. Anger, hatred, anger, ill will give way to such a quality as Unconditional Love, there will be an awareness of the Universal Cosmic Unity of Life. Developing such a virtue is not easy, but it is possible, and everyone should strive for this, for, as Christ said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."