Ahimsa - First Yama, First Limb

According to Patanjali, the Yamas are the first limb of yoga. Ahimsa is often referred to as the first Yama. Ahimsa is to restrain from violence, but we live in a violent world. Just open any newspaper, or watch the news, and you will be overwhelmed with negative feelings, when you consider the innocent victims of all this violence.

So, how do we live a non-violent life in a world filled with random violence? According to Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth, but I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Life was not easy for any of those who lived under the rule of the Roman Empire, but Jesus advises us to forgive our enemies and our suppressors. As he was being crucified, Jesus also stated, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. His ability to forgive was super natural.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent." Many people will state that they cannot live up to the standards of Jesus or Mahatma Gandhi for non-violence. This is understandable, but do most of us really try?

Every person on the planet should make a conscious effort to try to be as forgiving as Jesus Christ or Mahatma Gandhi. To help those who have, or would do you harm, is not an easy task.

This should be a matter of putting thoughts, words, and actions, to good use. It is easier said than done, but to do this, we have to be tolerant of everyone. It requires us to make decisions and actions without prejudice - at all times.

However, if you are being physically attacked, and your survival, or the survival of friends, or family, is at stake, non-violence may not be a viable option. In history, there have been conquerors who massacred millions of peaceful people like sheep.

Unfortunately, history has documented far too many holocausts for us to ignore the right to defend oneself. To be humble on the outside, but bold within, is a much safer course when you plan your day. When you put your best foot forward, most people will respect you for it, but beware of those who see your good manners as a sign of weakness.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free yoga e-book: "yoga in practice," and a Free yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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Gun Broker

A gun broker is a licensed gun seller and buyer that has met federal and state laws that pertain the distribution of firearms. gun brokers can be a great resource for finding special guns or for selling guns that you have. They can also be a great resource for completing interstate firearms transactions.

The first thing that you can use a gun broker for is to find a special gun. They have access to sellers from all over the country and they can help you to find the gun that you are interested in. They can also help to import the gun from another state for you.

Another service that gun brokers sometimes offer is gun appraisals. Appraisals of guns, especially antique guns can be difficult to do on your own. A gun broker most likely will have an extensive library of reference material that they can use to date and price your items accurately. Pricing accuracy is important if you want to sell your antique at auction, or if you are interested in insuring your gun collection.

The third service that a gun broker can provide to you is to help you complete gun auction transactions. Most states require gun transactions to be completed by licensed dealers like gun brokers. Because of this it is illegal for non-licensed residents to sell guns to people in other states, to buy guns from people in other states, and in some cases to buy and sell guns in their own states. You can get around this problem by enlisting the help of a gun broker. Since they are licensed gun dealers they can mediate the gun transaction as a third party and help you to close your deal.

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