| According to Patanjali, the Yamas are the first limb of | | | | Jesus or Mahatma Gandhi for non-violence. This is |
| Yoga. Ahimsa is often referred to as the first Yama. | | | | understandable, but do most of us really try? |
| Ahimsa is to restrain from violence, but we live in a | | | | Every person on the planet should make a conscious |
| violent world. Just open any newspaper, or watch the | | | | effort to try to be as forgiving as Jesus Christ or |
| news, and you will be overwhelmed with negative | | | | Mahatma Gandhi. To help those who have, or would |
| feelings, when you consider the innocent victims of all | | | | do you harm, is not an easy task. |
| this violence. | | | | This should be a matter of putting thoughts, words, and |
| So, how do we live a non-violent life in a world filled | | | | actions, to good use. It is easier said than done, but to |
| with random violence? According to Matthew 5:38-39, | | | | do this, we have to be tolerant of everyone. It requires |
| Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for | | | | us to make decisions and actions without prejudice - |
| eye, and tooth for tooth,' but I tell you, do not resist an | | | | at all times. |
| evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, | | | | However, if you are being physically attacked, and |
| turn to him the other also." | | | | your survival, or the survival of friends, or family, is at |
| Life was not easy for any of those who lived under | | | | stake, non-violence may not be a viable option. In |
| the rule of the Roman Empire, but Jesus advises us to | | | | history, there have been conquerors who massacred |
| forgive our enemies and our suppressors. As he was | | | | millions of peaceful people like sheep. |
| being crucified, Jesus also stated, "Father, forgive them, | | | | Unfortunately, history has documented far too many |
| for they know not what they do." His ability to forgive | | | | holocausts for us to ignore the right to defend oneself. |
| was super natural. | | | | To be humble on the outside, but bold within, is a much |
| Mahatma Gandhi said, "I object to violence because | | | | safer course when you plan your day. When you put |
| when it appears to do good, the good is only | | | | your best foot forward, most people will respect you |
| temporary; the evil it does is permanent." Many people | | | | for it, but beware of those who see your good |
| will state that they cannot live up to the standards of | | | | manners as a sign of weakness. |