What is Ahimsa and Pratipaksha Bhavanam?
Ahimsa (non-violence toward self and others in thoughts, word and deed, Sutra 2.35) is the first Yama (abstinences, the first limb of yoga as described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras). Pratipaksha Bhavana (Sutra 2.33 and 2.34) is the practice of replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Ahimsa and Pratipaksha Bhavana are concepts and practices that have been central to the work of some of the most influential spiritual and political leaders in human history, including Gandhi, Jesus and Martin Luther King.
Interpretations of Ahimsa (by Desikachar, Farhi, Satchidananda) agree that the principle of non-violence includes thoughts, actions and words directed at the self, as well as others. Self-acceptance and compassion require that one works to eliminate negative “self-talk” (i.e. criticism of the body, habits, etc.). Thoughts act as affirmation of intention. Pratipaksha Bhavana is the practice of cultivating a perspective that sees negative situations in the opposite way and in so doing will cultivate a positive and balanced mind. Switching from negative to positive self-talk allows one to have a more positive and joyful existence at the physical, mental and spiritual levels. The difficulty is making the shift out of old habits (Samskara) of negative thoughts and action to new more positive ones. It is difficult, but each day provides many opportunities to exercise both Ahimsa and Pratipaksha Bhavana.
For example, every day we make food choices, which provide many opportunities to practice non-violence and negative-to-positive thinking. To practice ahimsa, vegetarianism and/or eating free range, organic, kosher meat, supporting local growers, etc. are options. Yet regardless of the “quality” of ingredients, food prepared and consumed with loving care serves Ishvara perfectly. Doing Asana regularly also provides the opportunity to practice Ahimsa and Pratipaksha Bhavana. In practicing Asana, the tendency is to become distracted by thoughts, and/or to judge or compare ourselves to others or previous practices. The challenge is to practice Asana while simultaneously letting go of these Samskara (focusing on the breath helps!).
The key to Pratipaksha Bhavana is changing the environment by inviting the positive in, as well as considering the after-effect of holding on to negative/violent thoughts and actions. Pratipaksha Bhavana is a powerful technique that relies on the power of the mind-body connection. Consider the harm caused by chronically thinking negative thoughts about self and others. Thought becomes intention, and over time, intention often becomes action/deeds or physically manifest in the body (i.e. as a disease). Disease occurs because chronic negative and violent thoughts stress and overwork the sympathetic nervous system (in a continuous fight or flight response) and flood the body with stress hormones, causing illness. The practice of Pratipaksha Bhavana can help one to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response) promoting homeostasis and healing.
Negative thoughts about self and others also shape one’s self esteem and actions in the contexts of inter-personal relationships. If one approaches the world and daily events with an attitude of (Ahimsa) kindness, friendliness and thoughtful consideration of others, then interactions with friends, co-workers and strangers are less stressful and have more positive outcomes. The practice of Pratipaksha Bhavana is particularly helpful in dealing with negative individuals and/or crisis situations, yet despite its clear “turn the other cheek” mandate, the practice does not mean to become either Pollyanna or a doormat. Rather, one must thoughtfully examine (negative) attitudes towards self and others and consider the consequences of those (or alternative positive) attitudes at every moment of time and place.
Source of Image: http://wholelivingdaily.wholeliving.com/2011/01/the-yamas-of-the-yoga-sutras-part-i-%e2%80%93-ahimsa-non-violence-yoga-off-the-mat.html
