The Yamas are the behavioral restraints or basically, what
‘not’ to do. They constitute the First
Limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, also known as the Ashtanga path of practice as
eloquently described in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This is not to be confused with Mysore
Ashtanga, an asana series passed through the lineage of Krishnamacharya and
Pattabhi Jois. The 8 Limbs are observed
in Mysore Ashtanga practice, but there is a difference in the use of the term.
The Yamas are:
Ahimsa ~ Non-Violence
- One immediate action to work towards living
non-violently is to become a vegetarian. And of course not being physically violent with others. But there is much damage one can do with
words, and even just a glare. You’ve heard
the phrase “looks can kill”. Be aware of
what you are projecting at all times. And this must begin with one’s attitude towards oneself, where one
chooses to place oneself, and how one holds oneself in posture and breath. We need to take care of our health in order
to have Peace within. And Inner Peace is
the first step to Peace Everywhere. Om ~ Shanti ~ Shanti ~ Shanti ~ Om
Satya ~ Truthfulness
- It is always best to be honest with others. (Mind you,
without ranting on your soapbox!) And if
you are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings, then maybe not saying anything is
better than lying and consequently perpetuating a false conception. But Truthfulness is also being honest with
yourself and your own limitations. There’s nothing wrong with goals, these can be a great motivator, but
don’t set yourself up for failure with unrealistic promises to yourself (and
others). Otherwise you will perpetuate a
loop of disappointment, self-loathing, guilt, and defeat. Take things one step at a time and enjoy the
journey!
Asteya ~ Non-Stealing
- This can be interpreted very literally - one should not
steal material objects from another. Also
one should not take more than one needs, whether it be the Earth’s precious
resources during your long hot shower, or a third helping of mashed
potatoes! Asteya also extends to more
subtle interactions. Eavesdropping for
example. Often one begins eavesdropping
and before you know it, you are making judgments upon people. The Karma catches up with you instantly here
as judgment usually creates and perpetuates a negative state of mind. Think of ways you can change this
behavior. (And mind your own
beeswax! ;)
Brahmacarya ~ Ethical Intimacy
- This term used to imply celibacy, but in these modern
times, we need to extend the interpretation: Honoring one’s partner. Honoring
the relationships of others without interference. Working towards bringing people together
rather than creating a rift. And
also: Moderate sexual activity. Having multiple sexual partners and
unprotected sex, well, you know the Karma that can manifest here.
Aparigraha ~ Non-Clinging
- This Yama is about addiction, coveting, hoarding, and
more. The insatiable loop of greed and
desire. Feeling like “if only I just had
that …” or “I can’t let go of this…” Often the problem is within the way we
define ourselves and attempt to uphold that image (consciously or
subconsciously) when it may be illusory, or was once true but is no
longer. Certain patterns of behavior may
seem impossible to release, but the key is in the attention upon each
moment. And really the moment between each moment. Observe rather than project…
On a material level, this applies literally to clutter. Every single object we own is also stored in
our mind somewhere. All of these
unnecessary things weigh us down more than we can even imagine. One of the most difficult things to do is organize
and clear away the “stuff”. That box of
old tapes may only weigh a couple pounds, but add this up throughout the time
you’ve held on, it actually weighs much more!
A great way to begin clearing clutter is to start with Satya, being
realistic! Clear out one drawer, that’s
it. From there see how you feel. You may just feel a little lighter and more
motivated to clear out another! A clutter-free
home is a clutter-free mind. You are
literally making room for creativity and good luck to blossom.
Thank you for taking the time to read about The Yamas. Niyamas will be next!
Namaste ~
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