In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, host Ross McKeachie is joined by communication and conflict resolution specialist Farah Nazrali and Arkaya Foundation founder Yogacharini Maitreyi to explore the profound depth of Ahimsa — the yogic principle of non-violence — and how it applies far beyond the physical realm.Together, they examine the subtle forms of violence we carry within ourselves: in our thoughts, self-talk, and repressed emotions. Drawing from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Tibetan Buddhism, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and conflict resolution practice, the guests offer practical and philosophical tools for transforming reactivity into response, judgment into observation, and conflict into connection.Topics include the difference between assertiveness and aggression, how trauma lives in the body, the importance of open-ended dialogue, the limits of NVC in situations of abuse or structural violence, and lessons from the Bhagavad Gita on situational ethics. The episode closes with a meditation on love — specifically, acceptance — as the ultimate foundation for both inner peace and skillful relating.Featuring: Farah Nazrali (farahnazerali.com) — yoga, Buddhism, conflict resolution, and NVC practitioner; Yogacharini Maitreyi — founder of Arkaya Foundation, master yoga teacher and Acharya.Key Theme & Time Markers:Time Topic0:00 Introductions — Farah Nazerali & Yogacharini Maitreyi2:00 What is Ahimsa? Personal reflections on the first Yama3:52 How yoga reveals the violence embedded in everyday culture6:19 Maitreyi: Ahimsa as self-restraint, self-talk, and the roots of Himsa8:10 Healing shame and fear through yoga — a personal story10:46 Subtle forms of violence: the roots within us12:14 Farah: Coming home to yourself — Thich Nhat Hanh & co-regulating with nature14:15 Conflict engagement vs. conflict resolution — staying in the unknown16:03 Maitreyi: Karuna Sakshi Bhava — compassionate witnessing & the Panchakosha framework19:57 Spiritual bypassing vs. healthy assertiveness20:47 Nonviolent Communication (NVC) — the essence & its first step: observation vs. judgment21:52 Assertiveness vs. aggression: the role of self-esteem & inner solidity24:54 How judgment, shame, and blame fuel conflict26:44 Integrating NVC with yoga and Buddhism — going beyond language28:37 Maitreyi: Observing without condemnation, identification, or justification (J. Krishnamurti)30:46 The art of asking open-ended questions — from monologue to dialogue34:19 Ahimsa in the pranic field — influencing others through energy37:32 Violence in war zones and structural contexts — the limits of NVC40:26 Trauma, the polyvagal ladder, and healing past harm42:28 Maitreyi: Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita — situational ethics and righteous action47:57 Closing: Love as the foundation — self-love, acceptance, and grace53:16 Farah: Love is acceptance — in all its messy imperfection55:43 Closing remarks and gratitudeArkaya Foundation is a federally and provincially registered not-for-profit in Canada and in India. We are primarily volunteer-run with a very small core team. We greatly welcome your support to help with the running of our programs! https://www.arkaya.net/donate#tantricyoga #yogateachertraining ✨ Be present. Be aware. Be involved. If you would like to study in a rooted tradition with other spiritually mature students, see all of our online programs and events, including the 500-hour embodied expansion certification . See the link in bio or visit: www.arkaya.net/programsoverview The online Arkaya embodied expansion certification happens once every two years. Applications are now open. www.arkaya.net/teacher-training
