Throughout the ages, throughout the world, humans have developed basic guidelines and rules that we all can agree upon—for eg. not taking what is not ours. The yamas and niyamas are the version of these guidelines developed in India in the framework of yoga.
Most people nowadays start of yoga by going to a class filled with poses. However, traditionally, if you were in India during the early days of yoga, you would seek a guru. They would refuse to teach you any yoga poses (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama) or meditation techniques until you have demonstrated that you live your life in accordance with the yam and niyam.
Yam :--
1. Ahimsa – Nonviolence (not harming)
2. Satya – Truthfulness
3. Asteya – Non-stealing
4. Brahmacharya – Moderation (conservation of energy)
5. Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness
Niyam :--
6. Saucha – Cleanliness
7. Santosha – Contentment
8. Tapas – Passionate self-discipline
9. Svadhyaya – Self-study
10. Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrendering
The Yam's:--
1. Ahimsa: Non-violence (not harming)
Ahimsa is often interpreted as nonviolence towards all living things. Of course, this means that we don’t murder or physically harm other humans, and it also means that we try not to emotionally hurt others, avoiding activities like gossip.
Ahimsa can also be translated as compassion and kindness towards yourself and all others. Sometimes, it is easier to be kind to others than ourselves. Perhaps you have had a thought like this “I am so stupid for falling for that again” or “I shouldn’t have said that.”
Consider this: Would I say this to a loved one?! Is that being kind to myself? We can shift our minds by simply by catching those sort of thoughts as they happen and asking yourself, “is this true?”
We can also choose to not hurt ourselves by being mindful of what we eat and how we treat our bodies. Many yogis are also vegetarian, environmental advocates, and social equality advocates as a part of non-harming. In what ways do you personally choose to promote nonviolence?
The physical yoga practice is another great opportunity to practice not harming yourself. Have you ever forced your body into shapes that just didn’t feel right to you? Do you take breaks when you need? I believe—despite whatever a teacher is telling you to do—that you are the world’s leading expert in your own body and must adapt or stop when something doesn’t feel right.
2. Satya: Truthfulness
This is the practice of trying to be truthful (and congruent) in our speech, thoughts, and actions. Both being true to others and ourselves is vital in satya. This is simple to explain, but not easy to do.
3. Asteya: Non-Stealing
Naturally, we know that we should not take things that are not ours. But, what else can you steal that is a bit less concrete? Time and energy. Yoga Guide.
One big way we steal is by being late, which can be considered stealing people’s time. Of course, we can’t always control this, but when it is a pattern in our life, we know we need to make changes. For example, if you are often late to yoga class, interrupting the class to come in, then you know that you can leave 10 minutes earlier next time.
Another way we can steal is by taking energy from others. This often shows up by talking way more than listening, or complaining more than giving thanks. Asteya can also be translated as avoiding a mindset of greediness and hoarding. I’m not saying we all need to be minimalists, but consumerism adds up when we’re buying clothes to only wear them once or twice.
4. Brahmacharya: Moderation (Conservation of Energy)
Traditionally, yoga was taught as a monastic practice to young boys who have devoted their lives to spirituality. As yogis that live in the modern world, as householders with jobs, kids, and the stresses of busy lives, we must adapt these ethical principles to be practical for us. Yoga Guide.
This means, we don’t have to be celibate monks or nuns to live this principle. We can, however, live in moderation—conserving our energy (including, but not limited to, our sexual energy).
Let’s consider for a moment the sexual energy interpretation of brahmacharya. Imagine gathering up all the energy (time, money, and thoughts) that you have ever exerted on the pursuit, maintenance, and breaking up of romantic relationships from—let’s say—7th grade to today. That includes your 7th grade crush, high school heartbreak, online dating swiping, texting, analyzing with friends, and maybe some therapy.
5. Aparigraha: Non-Possessiveness
Aparigraha is often translated as being non-possessive. It can also be viewed as not being jealous of what others have or do. Living the principle of aparigraha means you are self-reliant and have an attitude of gratitude for who you are and what you have.
The Niyam's
6. Santosha: Contentment
Contentment, to me, also involves a sense of gratitude for the moment and the way things are. A feeling of contentment is like a muscle that needs to be strengthened and stretched through repetitions like journaling, prayer, or affirmations.
Building your contentment muscle doesn’t mean you are also complacent—not striving for ambitious goals. The challenge is finding a balance of being content with where you are in your journey while passionately working towards your vision.
7. Saucha: Cleanliness
They say that cleanliness is next to godliness. At a basic level, this means showering, wearing clean clothes, and keeping a clean and organized house (and a clean car— that’s my downfall).
8. Tapas: Passionate Self-Discipline
The word “tapas” in Sanskrit implies fire. It is often interpreted as having self-discipline, but I like the interpretation of having a “burning passion.” This is that burning desire to express our creativity, help others, and to meaningfully contribute in the world.
Following your path (or dharma) is not always easy; a lot of times it takes tireless work. Tapas is the fuel to keep doing the work. Often, this means resilience amidst failure.
9. Svadhyaya: Self-Study
Traditionally, svadhyaya is studying spiritual texts. I extend this broader to activities like reading any self-improvement or yoga book, listening to podcasts that make you reflect, journaling, and really, anything that helps you reflect on life.
10. Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrendering
This can be translated as surrendering to a higher power or, even, simply to that which you cannot control in life.
Above suggestions are only for General Guidance.
With Warm Regards
Ms Neeta Chaubal
Neeta Holistic Yoga and Reiki
Center (Vadodara, Gujarat, India)
Find me on face book….
http://www.facebook.com/NeetaHolisticYogaAndReikiCenter
very informative ...good keep it up
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