The Eight Limbs of Yoga: Ashtanga

The Eight Limbs of Yoga: YAMAS: Ahimsa (Non-Harming) On and Off the Mat

A big draw for me in yoga was the fact that I had grown up evangelical and later dove into my Hebrew roots as a young adult. While I understood the concepts of trusting in God and surrendering, actually putting them into practice in my daily life was not so easily drawn out for me in Christianity. Yoga helped me make those connections in a tangible way. In this series, I’ll explore each of the Eight Limbs of Yoga and how they apply both on and off the mat, drawing parallels to the faith principles I was raised with.

The term Ashtanga means "Eight Limbs" in Sanskrit, referring to the eightfold path outlined in the ancient text, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These limbs serve as a guide to living a meaningful and purposeful life, encompassing moral discipline, self-discipline, physical postures, breath control, sensory withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and ultimately, spiritual enlightenment.

At the foundation of the Eight Limbs are the Yamas, ethical principles guiding how we interact with the world. The first Yama, Ahimsa, is the practice of non-harming—toward others, ourselves, and the world around us. At its core, it reminds me of the biblical commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself."

Practicing Ahimsa on the Mat

Ahimsa in our physical practice is about approaching movement with kindness rather than force. It means:

• Listening to your body rather than pushing past pain.

• Letting go of judgment about what a pose should look like and focusing on how it feels.

• Avoiding comparison and honoring your own progress, instead of measuring yourself against others.

Rather than battling with yourself to “perfect” an asana, Ahimsa invites you to move with self-compassion. If a posture isn’t accessible today, honor that. If your breath feels strained, soften. The practice is here to support you, not to break you. This aligns with the idea of treating your body as a temple, caring for it with love rather than forcing it into something it is not ready for. the spirit can move more freely in a body that is not fighting every feeling and thought that comes along. 

Practicing Ahimsa Off the Mat

Non-harming extends far beyond the yoga studio. We can embody Ahimsa in our daily lives by:

• Choosing words with care, speaking kindly to others and ourselves, just as Proverbs reminds us that "gentle words bring life and health."

• Practicing self-compassion, releasing harsh self-criticism and embracing a loving, understanding approach to personal growth.

• Nourishing our bodies, being mindful of what we consume and how we treat ourselves physically and emotionally.

• Cultivating patience, whether in traffic, at work, or in difficult conversations, rather than reacting with frustration.

• Living with awareness, making choices that reduce harm to others, animals, and the environment.

Ahimsa isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about actively choosing love, kindness, and compassion in all aspects of life. as Miacah 6:8 says: "He has shown you what is good. What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, seek mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord."

The next time you step onto your mat, notice how you approach your practice. Are you pushing too hard? Criticizing yourself? Try softening into Ahimsa instead. And as you move through your day, consider where small shifts toward kindness and non-harming can create a more peaceful, fulfilling life.

How do you practice Ahimsa in your daily life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! With Love and gratitude,

Niah Blue