Ahimsa — non-violence — is a foundational principle in many spiritual traditions, but it is most commonly known through Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, where it stands as the first Yama, or moral discipline. Yamas are considered the ethical guidelines for anyone walking the yogic path. However, these aren’t just for ascetics or yogis in the mountains; they are deeply relevant to everyday life — especially for those of us trying to live with a little more mindfulness, balance, and inner peace.
We often understand Ahimsa as “do not harm others” — physically, mentally, or emotionally. But what about the harm we do to ourselves? This is a subtle yet profound question that many of us don’t pause to reflect upon. Non-violence isn’t just about our actions towards others — it’s also about cultivating compassion, patience, and understanding towards our own being.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna offers a powerful insight:
“Uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet; ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ.”
“Let one uplift the self by the self; let not the self be degraded. For the self is the friend of the self, and the self is the enemy of the self.”
— Bhagavad Gita 6.5
This verse speaks volumes. We hold the power to uplift or degrade ourselves. Our inner voice, our choices, our patterns — they either become our inner friend or our biggest enemy.
Violence against oneself is often not obvious or loud. It’s quiet. Subtle. Dressed as productivity, discipline, or “normal” habits.
Here are a few everyday examples:
1. Burnout Despite Awareness
We’ve all been there — pushing ourselves even when we know we’re physically or mentally exhausted. Maybe there’s a deadline. Maybe we feel the need to prove our worth. Or maybe we just don’t know how to pause.
But when we consistently override the body’s signals, we are being violent towards ourselves. Rest is not laziness; it’s an essential need. And when it’s possible to rest but we still push ourselves out of guilt or fear — that becomes self-harm.
2. Guilt and Self-Punishment
When we make a mistake, a natural response is to feel bad. But if we continue to punish ourselves with harsh words, withdraw from people, deny ourselves care, or ruminate in guilt — that is a subtle form of violence.
For example, skipping meals, isolating ourselves, or choosing to stay in unpleasant or toxic environments because we feel we “deserve” it — this is not accountability. It’s punishment.
3. Unconscious Habits That Drain Us
Let’s be honest — how often do we scroll through Instagram or YouTube at night even though we know our mind and body are tired?
We tell ourselves it’s just a few minutes of relaxation. But it turns into an hour. Then we sleep late. Wake up groggy. Feel guilty about the lost time. And still reach for our phones the next morning. This cycle isn’t just about screen addiction — it’s a pattern of self-neglect. It’s a form of modern violence towards the self, fueled by the illusion of pleasure.
4. The War Between Mind and Body
Another common pattern is controlling ourselves excessively. For instance, in the name of discipline or health, we may suppress cravings, restrict food, or follow strict routines. While self-regulation is good, when the mind manipulates or overpowers the body, it leads to inner conflict. The body says “rest” or “nourish me,” while the mind says “not now.” This disharmony eventually creates emotional and physical fatigue.
5. Judgement, Comparison, and Inner Critic
We may not raise a hand to ourselves, but our inner dialogue can be far more hurtful than any external voice. Constantly judging our appearance, comparing ourselves to others, or believing we’re “not good enough” becomes a slow erosion of self-worth. That too, is violence.
Practicing Ahimsa towards oneself is a daily, conscious choice. It’s not about being perfect or positive all the time — it’s about choosing compassion over punishment, understanding over guilt, and awareness over automation.
Some ways to embody inner Ahimsa:
- Rest when you need to, without guilt.
- Accept your flaws and mistakes as part of growth.
- Say no to things that drain your energy.
- Speak gently to yourself, especially in moments of failure.
- Recognize patterns of harm, and shift them with love — not shame.
Ahimsa is more than a moral ideal — it’s a lived experience. The more we practice non-violence towards ourselves, the more naturally we extend it towards others.
The Bhagavad Gita gently reminds us that we are both the friend and the enemy of our own selves. In a world that glorifies doing, achieving, and pushing through, choosing gentleness and self-kindness is a revolutionary act.
So today, pause and ask:
What would love do right now — for me, by me, through me?
That, too, is yoga.
Thich Nhat Hanh – “You deserve your own love and compassion as much as anybody else in the entire world.”
Healing Path with Gargi 