Yoga is not just a physical practice, but a way of life that can lead to greater happiness and spiritual fulfillment. The ancient text of the Yoga Sutras, attributed to the sage Patanjali, offers a comprehensive guide to the path of yoga, which consists of eight limbs or steps. The first two limbs are the Yama and Niyama, the ethical principles that form the foundation of yoga.
The Yama are the moral restraints or things not to do in relation to others and oneself.
They are:
- Ahimsa: non-violence or harmlessness
- Satya: truthfulness or honesty
- Asteya: non-stealing or non-covetousness
- Brahmacharya: moderation or celibacy
- Aparigraha: non-attachment or non-greed
The Niyama are the observances or things to do in relation to oneself and one’s environment.
They are:
- Saucha: purity or cleanliness
- Santosha: contentment or satisfaction
- Tapas: discipline or austerity
- Svadhyaya: self-study or introspection
- Ishvarapranidhana: surrender to a higher power or devotion
The Yama and Niyama help us to cultivate a virtuous character and a harmonious relationship with ourselves, others, and the world. They also prepare us for the subsequent limbs of yoga, which include asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (enlightenment).
By practicing the Yama and Niyama, we can align our thoughts, words, and actions with the highest ideals of yoga and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
If you wish to learn more in detail and practice in your life, feel free to join the Yoga classes that I conduct online and gain the experience to practice on your own on a daily basis. Simply contact me to learn more about how to join the classes with me online.
