Samasthah is a name we chose instinctively. In Sanskrit, it means “all beings sharing the same location” and to us, it evokes the idea of our existence as a part of yours. That we are all uniquely connected. And it reminds us to honour and grow that connection. To want your happiness as much as ours. To want your knowledge and passion to be as strong as ours. Samasthah was derived from the mantra:

This mantra speaks to ahimsa (“non-violence”) which is part of the eight-limbed path of yoga in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Practising ahimsa arises from an intention to act with clarity and love, and taking responsibility for our own behavour and interactions with others. Ahimsa represents the true strength at the core of an individual, because that’s what it takes to have an open mind and a lack of prejudice when approaching another being.

When you start to consider that all beings (animals, plants, humans) are connected in some way or form, you will then open up to respecting that intricate web of life.

When we practice yoga asanas, we practice taking the place of others. We practice being the moon and sun, the warrior, the trees, the dog, cobra, cow, and all other creations in the universe. We take their form and connect with their essence. With time and practice, we begin to develop empathy for all beings and realise that we are not different from each other. We learn that all beings share the same desire for happiness and freedom.

This powerful mantra inspires us to look mindfully at our thoughts, words and actions. It is only when realize how your actions impact the world around you that true change can begin to take place.

Try repeating this mantra daily – aloud or in your heart – on or off the yoga mat. You will notice your thoughts become more expansive, and you stop isolating your goals from the rest of creation. If we see ourselves as people who give to others, we will then live in a world where we see all other beings in the same way. That is how we create our world. A kind world.