Yama, Niyama
This page describes moral behaviour that is fundamental part of yoga as a spiritual path.
We choose where we practice on this path. Only the most dedicated yogi lives all of Yami and Niyama. Doing asanas alone without practicing Yama and Niyama provide little spiritual growth.
Yama - Self restraint |
Yama tells us what to avoid doing. |
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Ahimsa - non-violence, non-injury |
Do not harm any living creature. |
| Satya - truthfulness, honesty |
Speak the truth. |
| Asteya - non-stealing |
Do not take what is not ours. |
| Brahmacharya - Control sensual pleasure |
Be free from lust including sexual thoughts and urges. |
| Aparigraha - Freedom from covetousness |
Have only what we need for a simple, basic life. |
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Niyama - Observance |
Niyama tells what we should do. |
| Shaucha - purity, cleanliness |
Keep our body clean. Eat a natural diet. |
| Santosha - contentment, peacefulness |
Seek inner peace and joy. Savasansa helps us achieve this. |
| Tapas - austerity, spiritual discipline |
Cultivate a desire to cleanse every part of our body and mind. |
| Swadhyaya - spiritual study |
Study the spiritual texts of our tradition. |
| Atmanivedana - offer our life to God |
Make our every act in the service of God. |
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