There are eight “limbs” in the Yoga Sutras, each describing a different aspect of yoga practice and a different step on the ladder to realization. Yama & Niyama, are the first two limbs of yoga according to “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali”
Yama and Niyama, are the foundations of the ashta angas of Yoga. By practicing Yama and Niyama, the practitioner’s mind can be purified and refined, as the beginning of all practices is mental preparation, to be followed later by physical steps or asanas. Yamas can be loosely translated as restrictions and Niyamas as observances that one must follow to begin the practice.
Two Limbs of Yoga: The Yama & Niyama
The Yama
The word ‘yama’ is often translated as ‘restraint’, ‘moral discipline’ or ‘moral vow’. The Yamas traditionally guide us toward practices that concern the world around us and ourselves.
The five Yamas are:
- Ahimsa
- Satya
- Homeless
- Brahmacharya
- I didn’t describe it
related to both physical and mental levels.
Ahimsa or non-violence is the first Yama. Most of the time, non-violence is considered an act that applies only on the physical level. However, Ahimsa can only happen when one studies violence or himsa in its nature under different conditions in the world. Conflicting thoughts, anger and strong dislike for something or someone are all forms of violence or himsa. Until one recognizes the subtle ways in which we exhibit himsa in our daily lives, we will not be able to move towards Ahimsa.
Satya or truth is the second Yama. If one aims to find the ultimate Truth, then one must adhere to the truth in all activities of one’s life. Like nonviolence, truth must be practiced on the mental level, in our thoughts first, so that it naturally translates into our speech and action.
Homeless or non-stealing is the third remedy. When someone wants something that belongs to someone else, that in itself becomes an act of theft. To move towards Asteya, it is better to understand that the world is for all to enjoy and not especially for us to own or possess. One should be grateful, and therefore reduce the desire to desire.
Brahmacharya or sexual restraint is the fourth cure. Sexual energy is a tremendous force that can be harnessed to reach higher and subtler realms. By disciplining one’s mind, this creative power comes under the control of the practitioner of Yoga. This can then be used to understand Truth or Brahman, seamlessly transforming humans into the divine being that they are.
Aprigraha or non-possession is the last or fifth yama. It can be practiced by developing an understanding of the ephemeral nature of all our possessions, including our bodies, which by their very nature will not be with us forever anyway. This thought frees us from attachment and helps us to simplify our lives to only the essentials.
Niyama
The word ‘Niyama’ is often translated as ‘positive duties’ or ‘observances’ and is seen as recommended habits for healthy living and ‘spiritual existence’.
Niyama or observance includes:
- Sauka
- Santosa
- Tapah
- Svadhaya
- Ishwara Pranidhana.
Sauka it means purity and cleanliness. On the mental level it means refraining from having hatred or ill will towards anyone.
Santosa can be translated as satisfaction. A happy mind comes from a mind without distractions, resting in the Purusha and a deep understanding of the oneness of the world and the beings in it.
Tapah or austerity comes from the Sanskrit word meaning heat. The fire of austere practices moves our energies towards the desired goal of Samadhi, destroying all our impurities. It then kindles the fire of desire to find the Truth and hence all our actions towards the fulfillment of that desire become Tapasya.
Svadhaya it is the study of one’s self, nature, and dealings with the world. It also includes studying the scriptures.
Ishwara Pranidhana it is devotion or single-minded attention to Ishwara (or Purusha according to Yoga). This last Niyama eases the mind completely into Samadhi.
Iyengar describes the two extremes, Yamas and Niyamas as the “golden keys to unlock the spiritual gates” as they transform every action into one that comes from a deeper and more “connected” place within us. Faithful observance of Yama & Niyamas leads the practitioner towards the desired goal. With lifestyle changes and constant practice, one is ready to receive the grace to advance on the spiritual path. Whether you consider yourself “spiritual” or not, and whether you practice yoga or not, these are all ways we can help ourselves and the world around us be a better place.
Ref:
https://kripalu.org/
https://www.arhantayoga.org/
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