Vow of Ahimsa | Covid-19

 

Description

Covid-19 is just one of many viral epidemics that have sculpted humanity over centuries, and the principles of yoga have been designed for our benefit in consideration for all dangers that befall human beings trapped in samsara. The threat of a deadly virus is nothing new, and the wisdom of yoga teaches us to behave in a manner consistent with our earthly safety, and that of our conscience and eternal self. The principles of the yamas and niyamas were outlined for us in the yoga sutras to ensure that earthly entanglements and threats would not preclude our pursuit of samadhi.

 

The ancient teachers of yoga, nearly all historically relevant teachers of Buddhism and Hinduism, the Saivite groups of ancient India, and the timeless Jains, all practiced ahimsa as a primary principle. From Gandhi to Thich Naht Hahn we have the luxury of observing quintessential examples of ahimsa during contemporary conflicts. Now, we have an opportunity to engage in ahimsa ourselves, directly, in a way that exemplifies the spirit of the discipline, and can have real and lasting effect on our lives and the lives of those around us.

   

“DO NOT INJURE, ABUSE, OPPRESS, ENSLAVE, INSULT, TORMENT, TORTURE, OR KILL ANY CREATURE OR LIVING BEING”.

-MAHAVIRA

Vow Observances

In order to take practice at Bellingham Yoga you must first take the following vow of ahimsa during Covid-19 and observe all actions herein:

 

 I vow to observe the following:

  1. Avoid crowded places and social gatherings that are not necessary.

  2. Follow all state and federal guidelines regarding Covid-19.

  3. Avoid unnecessary travel.

  4. Practice sauca (cleanliness) by keeping my body, clothing, and living spaces clean, as well as avoiding unsanitary areas whenever possible.

  5. Practice satya (truth) by communicating to my yoga community (teachers, et al) about my potential for exposure or infection so that they may not risk infection from me.

 

 

AGREED TO:________________________________________________