00:30

Cultivating Ahimsa: Non-Violent Thoughts, Words, And Actions

by John Marshall

Rated
4.7
Type
guided
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
202

A meditation exploring the most foundational principle of Yogic philosophy, Ahimsa, or non-violence to oneself, others, and the environment. Ahimsa is the first of the Yamas, abstentions, or the first of the eight limbs of Yoga, which is the Yogi's path to reaching the ultimate goal of Samadhi, or liberation from worldly suffering. Being the first principle of the first limb, it takes precedence over all the others, as the gentle quality of Ahimsa is necessary for clarity of mind and prolonged states of stillness and integration with our true nature. So find a comfortable seat, and begin your journey of releasing violent states of mind and ways of being.

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Transcript

Welcome to Cultivating Ahimsa,

A meditation dedicated to the practice of non-violence in thoughts,

Actions,

And words.

Find a comfortable seat,

Sitting with a straight spine,

Resting your hands on your lap,

Palms facing up or down.

Gently close your eyes and allow yourself to settle into this moment as we explore the simple and profound yogic concept of Ahimsa,

Non-violence.

Take a deep breath in,

And as you exhale,

Release any tension or stress held within your body.

Visualize yourself surrounded by an aura of pure,

Loving energy that serves as your safe space for this meditation.

Within this sacred glow,

You are protected,

Supported,

And free to explore the depths of Ahimsa.

Feel the warmth and peace of this space embracing you as you let go of any judgments or expectations.

Know that this is a time dedicated to cultivating kindness,

Compassion,

And non-violence toward yourself and others.

Begin by turning your attention inward,

Focusing on yourself with gentleness and love.

Acknowledge that you are a unique and valuable being,

Deserving of kindness and understanding.

Reflect on any ways in which you may have harmed yourself through negative thoughts or self-criticism.

As you become aware of these patterns,

Give yourself the grace of forgiveness.

Allow the past to be the past,

And know you have the power to create new patterns from this moment.

Together,

Release the past with compassion.

Visualize a soft,

Healing light flowing through your body,

Dissolving any self-judgment,

Doubt,

Or negativity.

Embrace this yogic practice of non-violence by cultivating self-love,

Self-acceptance,

And forgiveness.

Begin to expand your awareness beyond yourself and envision the world as a vast web of interconnected beings.

See each person,

Every living creature,

As an integral part of this intricate tapestry.

Recognize that your thoughts and actions have the power to influence this collective harmony.

Visualize a ripple of loving kindness emanating from your heart,

Spreading outwards to touch the lives of those around you.

Allow this ripple to extend further,

Encompassing communities,

Countries,

And the entire planet.

Embrace the practice of Ahimsa by allowing thoughts,

Words,

And actions that promote peace,

Understanding,

And unity to arise naturally in your consciousness.

Notice any present thoughts,

The silent dialogue shaping your perception of reality.

Notice any negative or harmful thoughts that arise,

Whether directed towards yourself or others.

Instead of judgment,

Meet these thoughts with compassion and accept their presence,

Then gently guide your awareness to choose a different perspective.

Repeat the following affirmation silently or aloud.

I choose to release all negative thoughts and replace them with love and understanding.

I embrace the practice of Ahimsa by cultivating thoughts of kindness and compassion towards myself and others.

I am worthy of love and respect,

And so are all beings.

Allow these affirmations to permeate your mind,

Creating a shift towards non-violence in your thought patterns.

Now,

Continue to direct your attention toward others,

Expanding your practice of Ahimsa to encompass all beings.

Visualize the faces of loved ones,

Acquaintances,

And even those with whom you may have had difficulties.

Offer them your genuine wish for their happiness,

Peace,

And well-being.

Repeat the following phrases silently or aloud,

Allowing them to resonate deeply within you.

May all beings be free from harm and suffering.

May all beings experience love,

Peace,

And joy.

May all beings be happy and at ease.

Take a moment to appreciate the practice of Ahimsa you have cultivated during this meditation.

Recognize that this journey of non-violence begins within,

Extending outward to touch the lives of others and the world at large.

Carry the essence of Ahimsa with you as you move through your day,

Treating yourself and others with kindness,

Compassion,

And respect.

Gently begin to move your fingers and toes,

Feeling your presence return to the room.

When you are ready,

Go ahead and open your eyes,

Carrying the spirit of Ahimsa into your interactions and experiences.

As you continue your journey,

Remember that the power of non-violence resides within you.

Each thought,

Each word,

And each action has the potential to promote peace,

Love,

And unity.

Embrace the practice of Ahimsa,

And may it bring about a transformation that ripples through your life and the world around you.

Namaste my friends.

Meet your Teacher

John MarshallHouston, TX, USA

4.7 (30)

Recent Reviews

Kit

January 21, 2025

Love the timbre of the voice, pacing and perspective. The affirmations are spot on today.

ErinMarie

June 12, 2023

Thank you for this opportunity to once again embrace the study of yogic philosophy. It is affirming.

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© 2026 John Marshall. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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