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Yamas and Niyamas
What are the Yamas?
The Yamas are rules of conduct universal in their application and are the first limb of yoga. (Sanskrit translation is in italics)
Non-violence Ahimsa
Ahimsa is compassion and love for all living things and beings. This practice is fostered by freedom from fear and anger.
Truth Satya
Satya requires honest communication in thoughts, words and deeds. This practice encompasses a trust of our inner values and heart as well as integrity in our actions to our values and heart.
Non-stealing Asteya
Asteya directs us not to take belongings, time or attention from another without permission. This instruction also includes not using an item or taking more time for other than its intended purpose or for longer than sanctioned.
Chastity Brahmacharya
Brahmacharya literally translates as “brahmic conduct.” Patanjali stresses celibacy, however others emphasize the higher meaning of brahmacharya – to see the divinity in all. Iyengar notes that “without experiencing human love and happiness, it is not possible to know divine love.” 1 Further, Brahmacharya mandates we use our sexual energy to reconnect to our spiritual self and to know divine love.
Greedlessness Aparigraha
Aparigraha encourages the simple life free from needless possessions. “Parigraha” translates as “hoarding or collecting”; hence Aparigraha is the opposite. Your mind must trust that everything that is essential will be available. In this manner, you will not feel the lack of anything.
What are the Niyamas?
Niyamas are rules of conduct for the individual and are the second limb of yoga.
Purity Saucha
Saucha instructs us to maintain a clean body, mind and environment. Personal hygiene is important, as is proper consumption of nourishment. A mind cleansed of disturbing emotions is also a component. Finally, your surroundings should also be clean and pleasant. Iyengar recommends, “The banks of a lake or river or the sea-shore are ideal.” 2
Contentment Santosa
Santosa is the capacity to feel fulfilled with the life that one has and at peace with the stage of growth we are in currently. Good spirits and hope are nurtured to sustain this practice.
Ardour Tapas
Tapas is also translated as “burning enthusiasm,” of the body, speech and mind. This practice asks us to create a joyous momentum to carry us forward and to meet our life fully - our happiness, sadness, goals, chores and challenges.
Self-Study Svadhyaya
Svadhaya requires us to be engaged learners and endlessly search for knowledge. We are to study our strengths and weaknesses with a gentle mentor who can aid us in welcoming a limitation or redirecting unhelpful behavior.
Dedication to the Lord Isvara pranidhana
Isvara pranidhana celebrates the spiritual and allows for meaning greater than our selves. We are to approach life and our selves and others with care and attention and love in order to honor and give meaning and respect to life and to the divine within all of creation.
1 B.K. S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga (New York: Schocken Books, 1966) p. 35.
2 B.K. S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga (New York: Schocken Books, 1966) p. 37.
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