Yoga Teacher Training Journeys

Acting out our compassion

A yogic practice brings with it many blessings. For me, a welcome feeling of ‘sensory deprivation’ descends upon me as I ‘descend’ upon the mat. It brings my mind to stillness but also centres my heart in preparation for the nurturing sensation of yoga. My teacher brings to class a philosophical approach rooted in the training she has undergone steeped deeply in the eight limbed system of Yoga known as Astanga (Raja Yoga). Of those eight limbs, it is ahimsa, the first of the five ethical and moral observations we refer to as the Yamas which seem especially relevant at the moment.

Those of us who take at least a passing interest in the daily news cycle will have read, heard and seen stories of the most recent natural disaster to afflict the people of the central American nation of Haiti. A nation already poor by world standards has been left reeling in the ruins of a series of earthquakes and aftershocks, with a death toll now reaching an estimated quarter of a million. The disaster is now considered to be the worst ever to strike the Americas, and on a par with the 2004 Asia-Pacific tsunami. Hundreds of thousands of fellow human beings, wildlife and flora are left to recover and cope in the most challenging of circumstances.

Once again, as before, in such situations, we are united in sorrow and grief for those lucky to survive. Our compassion turns to them, strangers in name but united as sisters and brothers in humanity. Amidst the stories of rescue and recovery since the tragedy are inspiring efforts by others to lend a hand. There’s something yogic about these acts of compassion by individuals, groups and organizations, from heads of governments to people on a pension, that reminds us the well of humanity is truly deep and lasting.

Popular musicians give their time to record a special CD or perform in stadiums to raise money for those in need. Aid agencies such as Oxfam and Red Cross mobilize to send expert teams to help re-establish sanitation, shelter and clean, safe drinking water. Individuals come together to fundraise on a local level from street stalls to lavish banquets in support of those agencies to help them provide on-going assistance. All these acts in their own practical way reflect the code of ethics we know as ahimsa, and specifically, acting with compassion towards all. It’s a basic aspect of our yoga teacher training and is experienced by every participant who spends time on a yoga retreat.

To me this code encourages us to go beyond acts of compassion within our immediate circle of family and friends. Acting with compassion is not unique to yogis, but it’s our practice and awareness of this philosophical side of yoga training which reminds us to act with enhanced respect for all living beings in our daily lives beyond the mat. We want to help and give when we see clear images of calamity and strife afflicting those who are strangers but whom we consider like family and one of us, united in humanity. Compassionate living helps direct our thoughts (and where possible, action) to help any way we can. It’s a key measure of the strength of our practice that the well of humanity which forms part of the philosophical approach of the yoga we learn and teach has no limit.

How can we as yogis go further in our show of compassion at times like these? Is there a way we can adapt or extend the code of ahimsa in a practical way? Is there an opportunity for us to extend that philosophy into our next class? You might share your awareness with your students and friends who share your love of yoga. You can certainly remain aware of the fate of our fellow sisters and brothers who are faced with new challenges in the wake of such events such as the Haiti earthquake and the more recent earthquake in Chile. Our yoga practice raises an awareness to respond, feel and if possible act in this way. Is there a way we can extend that awareness and compassion for the betterment of our world?

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