Yamas: Ahimsa

In the yogic tradition there are five moral principals known as the yamas (restraints). 


The yamas are not about 'moral law' per se, but are part of a ‘practice’ to live a more harmonious life. The five yamas make up the first of the eight limbs as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. 


The first yama is AHIMSA: non-harming and having compassion for all living beings (including ones self). It's not all about ‘hugging trees’, or becoming a vegetarian. By simply making small steps to refrain from harming, and becoming aware of our thought patterns that lead to harmful behavior, our lives become more harmonious.