“Yamas, you say? I have been going to yoga classes for years and no teacher has ever mentioned what the Yamas are.” Well, that is because, in the West, we have come to associate Yoga with merely the physical practice. Mental images of graceful Yogis doing handstands on Instagram come to mind when you hear yoga, but yoga is so much more than that.
The word “yoga” itself means union. The ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve a state of unity and harmony within oneself and with the universe. This encompasses the integration of body, mind, and spirit, leading to a holistic sense of well-being and interconnectedness with all life.
Ultimately, yoga will lead to yoga self-realization and liberation (moksha). This profound journey involves transcending the limitations of the individual ego and achieving a state of union with the true self and the universal consciousness.
What are the Yamas?
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of classical yoga philosophy, outline an eight-limbed path to above mentioned enlightenment and self-realization. The first of the eight limbs are the Yamas. The Yamas are ethical guidelines or moral imperatives that govern our behavior and interactions with the world around us.
The Yamas are the foundation upon which a yogic lifestyle is built, providing a moral compass that guides practitioners toward a life of integrity, compassion, and truth. Let’s delve into each of the five Yamas and explore how you can apply these in your daily life on and off the yoga mat.
1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
Ahimsa, often translated as non-violence or non-harming, is the practice of causing no harm to oneself or others. This principle extends beyond physical violence to include words, thoughts, and actions. Practicing ahimsa means cultivating a sense of compassion and kindness, not only towards others but also towards oneself.
Applying Ahimsa:
Mindful Communication: Speak kindly and truthfully without intending to hurt others.
Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend.
Mindful Practice: Listen to your body whether you are practicing yoga Asana Or Pranayama. Practice non-harm towards yourself in the physical practice of yoga, too.
- Lifestyle Choices: Consider how your choices, such as diet or consumer habits, impact other beings and the planet. Ahimsa is one of the reasons many yogis choose a vegan diet and lifestyle.
A mantra that you will often hear in class and which embodies the essence of Ahimsa is: Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu.
The translation of the mantra is “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”
2. Satya (Truthfulness)
Satya means truthfulness and encourages us to live and speak our truth. This Yama emphasizes authenticity and integrity, urging us to be honest in our thoughts, words, and actions. Practicing satya involves being true to ourselves and to others, fostering trust and genuine connections.
Applying Satya:
- Honest Expression: Share your thoughts and feelings openly, while being mindful of the impact your words may have.
- Integrity: Align your actions with your values and beliefs.
- Authenticity: Embrace your true self, without pretense or facade.
- Truthful Practice: Observe your practice every day and be honest with yourself as to what your body needs in any given moment.
A mantra that captures the Yama of Satya is Sat Nam, or “Truth is my identity”. Sat Nam is a powerful mantra in Kundalini Yoga, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and living in alignment with one’s true self.
3. Asteya (Non-Stealing)
Asteya, or non-stealing, goes beyond the literal sense of not taking what does not belong to us. It encompasses the idea of not exploiting or taking advantage of others. Practicing asteya involves recognizing and respecting the rights and belongings of others and cultivating a sense of contentment with what we have.
Applying Asteya:
- Respecting Boundaries: Honor the time, energy, and possessions of others.
- Gratitude: Focus on what you have rather than what you lack.
- Generosity: Share your resources and talents without expecting anything in return.
- Conscious Consumerism: All that we consume comes from somewhere. Pay attention to what goes into produce and products that you buy.
As a mantra Om Tat Sat, which means “That is the truth”, reflects the principle of Asteya. Om Tat Sat is a mantra from the Bhagavad Gita that encourages alignment with truth and integrity, discouraging the act of taking what is not rightfully ours.
4. Brahmacharya (Moderation)
In traditional texts, Brahmacharya is often interpreted as celibacy, but in a broader sense, it refers to moderation and the wise use of energy. It encourages us to channel our energy towards spiritual growth and mindful living, rather than indulging in excesses.
Applying Brahmacharya:
- Balanced Lifestyle: Strive for balance in all aspects of life, including work, rest, and play.
- Mindful Consumption: Practice moderation in eating, drinking, and other sensory pleasures.
- Focused Energy: Direct your energy towards activities and relationships that support your higher purpose and well-being.
The mantra that reflects the essence of Brahmacharya could be Om Shanti Shanti Shanti, which translates to “Om, peace, peace, peace”.
This mantra promotes inner peace and self-control, qualities that are central to the practice of Brahmacharya.
It helps in calming the mind and directing energy towards spiritual pursuits, and acknowledges that there is something greater than us out there.
5. Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness)
The last of the five Yamas is Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness. It is the practice of letting go of attachments and the desire for material possessions. Aparigraha is also known as non-attachment, a key aspect of the Yogic practice. It teaches a simple way of life and finding freedom from being bound by the need to acquire and hoard.
Applying Aparigraha:
- Minimalism: Simplify your life by reducing clutter and excess.
- Detachment: Cultivate a sense of detachment from material possessions and outcomes.
- Contentment: Focus on appreciating what you have rather than constantly seeking more.
- Non-Attachment: Apply this to your practice on the mat. Practicing non-attachment to the form of poses, to thoughts that arise, and learning to leave our ego at the door.
Om Purnamadah Purnamidam is a mantra that reflects the principle of Aparigraha. It means “That is complete, this is complete”. From the completeness comes the completeness. If completeness is taken away from completeness, only completeness remains.
This mantra from the Isha Upanishad reflects the principle of Aparigraha by reminding us of the inherent completeness and abundance of the universe, encouraging a mindset of non-attachment and contentment.
Embracing the Yamas in Daily Life
Integrating the Yamas into your daily life involves conscious effort and reflection. Here are some practical steps to help you embody these principles:
- Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions to ensure they align with the Yamas.
- Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine to enhance awareness and self-control.
- Community Engagement: Surround yourself with a supportive community that shares and practices these values.
- Continuous Learning: Study the Yoga Sutras and other related texts to deepen your understanding of the Yamas and their applications.
The Yamas are timeless ethical principles that provide a solid foundation for a meaningful and harmonious life, and a way to practice yoga on and off the mat. By embracing non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and non-possessiveness, we can cultivate a more compassionate, authentic, and balanced existence, both on and off the yoga mat.
