The first of the five yama’s which are essentially a set of ethical standards about how you treat others, is ahimsa.
The pre-fix ‘a’ in Sanskrit, like in English indicates ‘non’ or without. So the word AHIMSA translates as non-violence or not causing pain. This yama compels you to consider whether you are treating the people, the planet and animals around you kindly – which is why true yogis often have plant-based diets and are involved in protecting the planet! There are many examples of people who have aimed to live this life – Mahatma Gandhi, St Francis, Mother Theresa.