The Vow of Non-Violence

Hello, and welcome. This is a guided meditation on the power of taking the vow of ahimsa or non violence specifically to liberate us from the veil or the obstacle of Avidya. That's the illusion of the separateness between ourselves and the universe around us So when you're ready, go ahead and make sure that you have a comfortable seat, one that's alert, but most importantly comfortable. Again, as we begin to take this vow, it's to make inner peace and harmony with ourselves, the number one priority. Because from there, it's where all of our actions, our thoughts, and our words in the world to create more peace, stem from. So even if you come up to sit and you find that you're not comfortable, please feel free to lie down or any way to where your body can feel completely at peace. And so, as you begin to find your space, you can take your hands to your hearts in prayer. All of the Yamas are known as the yogic vows or the five Maharata, the great vows.

Yoga can be seen as a marriage, a union where we do make vows, but it's every day not just once and even moment by moment, we can reset our vows. So you can begin to close your eyes. These vows in Sutra two thirty one. It's so beautiful because it says they're essential to the practice, but they're unlimited by time, by place, by class, by age, and essentially available to everyone that we can take into our lives. And so join me in taking this vow.

And then we'll settle into a five minute meditation. So it really sinks into our bones. So you can begin to first find the rhythm of the breath as we make an intention to first make peace with ourselves in this moment. Where we promise or intend to not cause harm? We can witness what thoughts breed harm to ourselves And how from there, perhaps action spring that caused harm in our world, so devouring the desire to stop.

It's the first place. Ahamsa means non or to stopping the harm that we can cause. Because you find your breath, just its gentle rhythm. It's these vows that Yocas and unite us. To our true nature, which is peace, which is love.

Allow the breath to be that bridge. Into the body noticing how it feels. Into the moment where you are. With everything that's going on around you and within you. Instead of pushing anything away, we make peace.

The way of deep acceptance where we don't push anything away, even on the world stage. It can be right where we are. Practicing peace. And slowly, you can begin to move into your consciousness. This desire to be an instrument for peace.

Again, begin to just repeat within your mind. I take the vow of Ahhem, sir. Let's see how that feels. I make inner peace and harmony. My first priority.

I take the vow of a hypsa with every thought, every word, every action. I take the vow of a hypsa To be a part of healing mother earth. I take the vow of ahimsa to bring more peace, more healing to my communities. I take the vow of a hymssa. For world peace.

Land take more deep breath in. As you exhale, you can rest your hands onto your thighs. And sit in the experience. Taking a conscious foul. If you notice your mind wanders gently bring it back to any one of those vows that felt meaningful to you for the purpose.

First for inner peace. And then how it can ripple out. You notice your posture shifting. You can begin to sit, tall again. Alert. But then softening as you relax your face.

Your eyes and coming back. Peace within. Being a part of stopping violence in the world. The thought comes into your mind and bring it back to your priority. Every thought.

Breeding more peace. Find yourself here rooted in this vow. Anchoring yourself if you keep coming back. You can even begin to gently open your eyes. So your gaze is gently at the earth.

I'm seeing how this file can ripple out to wherever you are right now. Beyond the walls and out into all that you do and say when you're ready, you can begin to either make your way up to sit if you've been lying down or join your hands back into your heart in prayer. Even a bow of your head down to your vows. And thank you so much for being a part of this movement and towards more peace within and peace in the world.