Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Had a deep connection to some of the yogic principles?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a revolutionary man with a dream that changed the entire world. However, many people may not know that he was deeply influenced by the yogic teachings and nonviolence movement of Mohandes Gandhi in the 1950's. As a matter of fact, in 1959, Dr. King and his wife decided to tour India for 5 WHOLE weeks so that they can learn more about the teaching of Gandhi as well as speak with the leaders in the Government such as the Prime Minister. His trip to India had a huge influence on his understanding of nonviolent resistance and his commitment for the civil rights movements in America. The "gandhians" loved him for his efforts to bring social change to the United States and the whole world by studying and learning their principles.
Non violence, Sanskrit word ahimsa, is one of the 5 yamas we study in yoga. Ahimsa is the practice of non violence towards ourselves or others including physical, and or emotional violence.
Violence is the action done to yourself when you manifest thoughts of shame, judgement, or criticism. Those thoughts or actions turn outward, continuing the cycle of negativity and hate. Nonviolence is love. Nonviolence is compassion. Nonviolence is acceptance and truth. Nonviolence is the very reason Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was inspired to change the world!
"To other countries I may go as a tourist, but to India I come as a pilgrim."
Don't be afraid to dream. You just might change the world. Happy Martin Luther King Day!