A Sanskrit term commonly translated as nonviolence or non-harming. It is the first of the five yamas.
How the term is used
Ahimsa can be considered in relation to actions, speech, choices, and the effects those choices have on oneself and others.
Why it matters
It is one of the most widely discussed principles in yoga ethics and can shape how practitioners think about boundaries, physical practice, and relationships.
Read the guide Yoga Beyond the Poses: A Guide to Yoga Philosophy for Everyday Life
Where this comes up
Where this fits in a practice
The guides explain the idea in context; the service pathways are there when reading is not enough. Educational content only — nothing here is medical or mental-health care.