2.35

Ahimsa is more than just refraining from violence. It is a way of being that centers care, choosing not to cause suffering in thought, word, or action. This is the first and most foundational of the yamas because it supports and shapes the others. Truthfulness, non-stealing, wise use of energy, and non-possessiveness are all grounded in this commitment not to harm.

The commentaries say that when someone truly embodies non-harming, the world around them shifts. People feel more at ease. Even animals that would normally be enemies can settle into peacefulness. The yogi’s steady presence affects others, not through anything they say, but through how they are.

Some describe this as a kind of subtle influence. A calm and clear mind has the power to settle other minds. Others say that when we give up inner conflict—resentment, judgment, and aggression—it makes it easier for the people around us to do the same. We are all shaped by the energy in the room, and peace can be contagious.

This is not a mystical superpower. It is the natural effect of a well-trained heart. You do not need to be a renunciate or a saint to practice ahimsa. Every choice to pause, to listen, to act with care is part of the path. Whether in conversation, conflict, or quiet moments alone, ahimsa offers a way to create peace in ourselves and in the world.