Patanjali Yoga Sutra of the Month

II:35: Ahimsaa pratishthaayaam tat samnidhau vaira tyaagaha

Sage Patanjali

Patanjali describes perfection of Ahimsa, or loving kindness, as the perfection of Yoga. For the one who is unshakeable in their love and respect for all living things, they stimulate friendly feelings in others. All hostility melts in such a being's presence, and even in the presence of vicious animals, no violent situation will arise! When we recognize that opening ourselves to love is not just an emotional response, but links us in to the force that underlies the energetic structure of all reality. We are then harmonized (Yoga) with Bhandu, universal connectedness and cosmic order, or what the Hawaiians call Pono. Divine love it is not on the scale of good and evil, but is the highest balance of energetic forces. Love is the synergist, the organizing principle, while darkness is the denial of this principle. When we feel attacked, injured, or separate, let us look deep within ourselves, shedding the light of our conscience to recognize and offer consideration to the needs of the human soul, both ours and others. In the words of my teacher Baba Haridas,"Love everyone, including the Self. This is the highest Sadhana (spiritual practice)". Until we can learn to live with love, we will need to create endless laws, legislatures and government. The greatest thing we'll ever learn, is to love, and be loved in return.