The Concept of Ahimsa in the Mysore Style (Ashtanga Vinyasa) Practice

by: Erika Smith Iluszko

Ahimsa, meaning “non-harming,” (notice that I did not use the most common translation which is non-violence, this became famous because of M. Gandhi’s non-violent fight against British rule in India. I feel this translation is too short and does not convey the full meaning of the word.) is one of the core ethical principles in yoga, known as the Yamas, which are outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Ahimsa goes beyond merely refraining from physical harm—it extends to thoughts, words, and actions, including how we treat others and more importantly ourselves. It emphasizes compassion, empathy, and kindness in every aspect of life.

In the context of yoga practice, Ahimsa is about creating a safe, nurturing environment for both body and mind. This includes practicing with awareness and gentleness, avoiding self-criticism, and honoring one’s physical and emotional limitations. Ahimsa applies not only in relationships with others but also in our internal relationship with ourselves.

Why Being Kind to the Self is Crucial to All Yoga Practice

Yoga is a Holistic Practice

Yoga aims to integrate the body, mind, and spirit, and Ahimsa serves as the foundation for this process. Without self-kindness, the balance is disrupted, leading to unnecessary strain, injury, or frustration. Being gentle with yourself ensures that your practice supports healing and growth, rather than becoming a source of stress or competition.

Prevents Injury

Pushing the body beyond its limits can lead to injury, which is a form of violence to oneself. Practicing with Ahimsa means respecting your body’s current capabilities and recognizing when to ease off or modify a pose. By listening to your body and practicing with compassion, you avoid the physical harm that comes from overexertion.

Encourages Emotional Well-being

Yoga is not just about physical poses; it’s also a practice of cultivating inner peace and emotional resilience. Negative self-talk, frustration, or the desire to “achieve” a perfect posture can create mental and emotional tension. Ahimsa encourages you to let go of judgment and embrace where you are in your practice, leading to a more joyful and fulfilling experience on the mat.

Why Self-Kindness is Especially Important in Mysore-Style Practice

In Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga, the principle of Ahimsa becomes even more critical because of the individualized, self-paced nature of the practice. Here’s why self-kindness plays a central role in Mysore-style.

Self-Directed Learning

In a Mysore class, you practice independently while the teacher provides adjustments and guidance as needed. This autonomy can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration if you feel you aren’t progressing quickly enough or if you struggle with certain postures. Ahimsa, through self-kindness, helps you stay patient with yourself, allowing the practice to unfold naturally without the pressure to “perform.”

Progress at Your Own Pace

Mysore-style is designed to honor each student’s unique pace. Kindness toward yourself is essential because it encourages acceptance of where you are in your practice, rather than comparing yourself to others or forcing your body into postures it’s not ready for. Ahimsa reminds you that there’s no rush, and that progress will come with consistent, mindful practice.

Navigating Physical and Emotional Challenges

Ashtanga Yoga can be physically demanding, especially when working through challenging poses or dealing with limitations in flexibility and strength. Ahimsa encourages you to be gentle with your body, modifying postures as needed, and taking rest when necessary. Additionally, emotional challenges often arise during practice, and being kind to yourself helps you approach these emotions with compassion and understanding.

Encourages Self-Reflection without Judgment

Mysore-style is highly introspective, as you are often practicing in silence, with little external guidance. This creates space for deep self-reflection. Practicing Ahimsa toward yourself means acknowledging your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. Instead of criticizing yourself for not being “good enough,” Ahimsa allows you to approach your practice with curiosity and acceptance.

Sustainability and Longevity of Practice

Practicing with Ahimsa ensures that your yoga journey is sustainable over the long term. If you practice with kindness, you reduce the risk of burnout or injury, allowing you to maintain a regular, healthy practice for years to come. In Mysore-style, where the emphasis is on daily or frequent practice, self-compassion becomes a key element in maintaining consistency.

The Interplay Between Ahimsa and Yoga Practice

Ahimsa is not just a guideline for how we interact with others but is essential for our personal well-being on the mat. In yoga, we aim to find balance—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. When you approach your practice with self-kindness, you cultivate:

Patience: Allowing yourself to grow at a natural pace.

Resilience: Being able to return to the practice without fear of failure.

Joy: Enjoying the process rather than focusing solely on the results.

In Mysore-style, where the emphasis is on self-guided practice, these qualities become even more essential. By practicing Ahimsa, you ensure that your yoga journey is one of compassion, mindfulness, and self-awareness, free from the harm of self-judgment and overexertion.

Ahimsa, or non-harming, is the foundation of all yoga practice, emphasizing kindness toward oneself and others. In Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga, where the practice is highly personal and self-directed, self-kindness becomes particularly important. It fosters patience, prevents injury, and supports emotional and mental well-being, allowing the practice to unfold naturally and sustainably. By embracing Ahimsa, we create a nurturing and compassionate relationship with ourselves, which is essential for growth both on and off the mat.