Ahimsa is the first foremost Yam. The simple meaning of Ahimsa is not to hurt anybody. The real meaning of this word becomes clearer and deeper as you reflect more and more on this word. Not to inflict physical, mental pain to anybody, not to inflict any pain or violence upon one’s body — all these come under the sphere of Ahimsa. Not to cause pain even to one’s own mind, body, soul or to anyone, even the Jowly creatures, but to deal with all with love and sympathy is to observe non-violence. If one tires his body by repeating any action, that also is violence. To make any beast go by beating it is also violence. While doing asana, if we exert too much or give pressure on arteries so that our limbs are injured, that also is violence. Observing Ahimsa means we should not inflict any kind of suffering on anybody.