Ahimsa: Nonviolence as Loving Kindness

Nicolai Bachman

Introduction to Yoga Sutras

In this essential yoga talk, Nicolai Bachman reiterates the central role of ahimsa – nonviolence – in yoga. He discusses some of the causes of violence, and some ways we can prevent or weaken its expression.

If we truly understand that we are all the result of our past experiences and believe there’s a divine inner light of awareness within each person, then we stop blaming and begin to act with loving kindness – even toward those we do not get along with. No matter what religion we practice, offensive violence toward others is unacceptable.