Lest we forget…
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is a sort of guide book on how to live like a yogi, kind of a map for a meaningful and purposeful life. In a very basic outline, this yogic philosophy manual has eight components or limbs we are to follow. The first of these limbs is the yamas, the ethical guidelines, and the first one is Ahimsa, the practice of non-violence.
I’ve been thinking about this as the poppies are beginning to appear here in Ottawa and across the country. It may seem a bit irreconcilable believing in both Ahimsa, and Remembrance Day. How does the peace and grooviness of yoga mesh with the violence of war?
Well, fellow yogis, there are many things I do not know, trust me, many. But this I do, we can speak about and practice any yogic, or other philosophy we want, because of the Canadian Armed Forces. We can practice Ahimsa, non-violence, because of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for ours. We can wear a t-shirt that says “I hate war” because our brave military have volunteered to go whenever there is one.
I also know that behind every soldier, sailor and airman, there is a family. I’m lucky; I married my soldier after he had taken off the uniform for good. I never had to watch him leave for a tour, never had to imagine all the horrific things spouses imagine while reassuring their children it will all be fine. And I selfishly hope to never have to feel the intense mix of pride and fear parents must feel when they see their own child in uniform. I have the utmost respect for every one of you that do.
This month, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, let us honour them, all of them, with gratitude; there is nothing more yogic than that.
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