17 Jun Yamas & Niyamas
The Yamas and Niyamas are the first two limbs of the eight-fold path of yoga, as described by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. They are ethical guidelines that help us live in harmony with ourselves, others, and the environment. They are considered the foundation of any yoga practice and a way to cultivate a healthy and balanced mind and body.
The Yamas are five moral restraints that teach us how to interact with others and the world in a positive and non-harmful way. They are:
Ahimsa: non-violence or compassion. This means avoiding causing harm or suffering to any living being, including ourselves, through our thoughts, words, or actions. It also means cultivating kindness, love, and respect for all life.
Satya: truthfulness or honesty. This means being truthful and sincere in what we say and do, without lying, exaggerating, or deceiving ourselves or others. It also means being authentic and expressing our true feelings and opinions.
Asteya: non-stealing or generosity. This means not taking what does not belong to us, whether it is material, intellectual, or emotional. It also means not coveting or being greedy for what others have, but rather being content and grateful for what we have.
Brahmacharya: moderation or self-control. This means using our energy wisely and not wasting it on excessive or harmful activities, such as overeating, oversleeping, overworking, or indulging in sensual pleasures. It also means being mindful and aware of our actions and their consequences.
Aparigraha: non-attachment or simplicity. This means not being attached to or dependent on things, people, or outcomes that are impermanent and subject to change. It also means living simply and minimally, without accumulating unnecessary possessions or clutter.
The Niyamas are five personal disciplines that teach us how to take care of ourselves and cultivate inner peace and happiness. They are:
Saucha: cleanliness or purity. This means keeping our body, mind, and surroundings clean and free from impurities, toxins, or distractions. It also means avoiding negative thoughts, emotions, or habits that pollute our inner state.
Santosha: contentment or satisfaction. This means being happy and grateful for what we have and who we are, without comparing ourselves to others or wishing for something different. It also means accepting the present moment as it is, without resisting or rejecting it.
Tapas: discipline or self-transformation. This means practicing self-discipline and perseverance in order to achieve our goals and overcome our challenges. It also means generating heat or energy within ourselves that burns away our impurities and weaknesses.
Svadhyaya: self-study or self-awareness. This means studying ourselves and learning from our experiences, thoughts, feelings, and actions. It also means studying sacred texts or teachings that inspire us and guide us on our spiritual path.
Ishvara Pranidhana: surrender or devotion. This means surrendering our ego and personal will to a higher power or universal intelligence that guides and supports us. It also means devoting ourselves to a spiritual practice that connects us with our true nature.
The Yamas and Niyamas are not rigid rules or commandments but rather suggestions for living a more ethical and meaningful life. They can be applied to any situation or circumstance and can help us develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.