Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga: YAMA | Ahimsa

In Sutra 2.35, Patanjali and Vyasa are describing the ultimate fruit of ahimsa, non-violence as the elimination of animosity. 

Violence is invariably accompanied by fear and anger, which are caused and propelled by desire and aversion. Desire and aversion come from attachment, the mental condition that forces us to cling to our possessions. All of our possessions are contained in the most refined possession of all, our self-identity. Our family, property, religion, intellectual achievement, professional reputation, power, and charisma are all trappings of our self identity.

From the yogic perspective, this is Asmita (our distorted sense of self-identity) and it is enveloped in Avidya (Ignorance). This becomes our reality. The idea of losing this is becomes scary. We do everything in our power to protect and perpetuate our distorted identity. When we fail, we become angry and we direct our anger at people who have harmed us or who have the potential to harm us. This is how animosity is born and thrives.

The maturity of the state of Ahimsa depends on our practice and awareness. To nullify animosity in the world around us depends on how elevated our state of ahimsa is and how firmly we are established in it. Buddha, Jesus, and Gandhi were all advocates of love and peace and all led non-violent movements to transformed the world around them. 

Perfection in non-violence is an outcome of the highest level of spiritual achievement. It arises as we enter deeper levels of meditation and matures when we taste Samadhi. In the context of our day-to-day practice, the principle of non-violence is a powerful tool for transforming ourselves into good human beings and for accelerating our growth, both as individuals and as members of society.