Yama's/ Niyama's

Two of the “Eight Limbs of Yoga”, the Yama’s and Niyama’s are ancient guidelines to live by. It is important that people know that yoga is so much more than a physical exercise. Keep in mind that this “advice” is traditional for the Indian culture, yoga’s birthplace. However, few would disagree that any person can benefit in their own way from this knowledge.

Yama’s: (Ethical Disciplines)

Ahimsa: (Nonviolence) Practice non injury. Do not harm people or animals. Follow a vegetarian diet.

Satya: (Truthfulness) Refrain from lying. Be fair and admit your failings.

Asteya: (Non Stealing) Do not take anything that does not belong to you. Control your desires and live within your means.

Bramacharya: (Divine Conduct) Control lust and remain faithful to your significant other. 

Kshama: (Patience) Restrain intolerance and impatience. Remain poised in good times and bad.

Dhriti: (Steadfastness) Develop willpower and achieve your goals.

Daya: (Compassion) Conquer cruel and insensitive feelings. Be kind to everyone and everything.

Arjava: (Honesty) Maintain honesty, renounce deception and wrongdoing.

Mitahara: (Moderate Appetite) Do not eat too much or too little.  Enjoy wholesome organic foods, avoiding animal flesh and junk foods. 

Saucha: (Purity) Maintain a clean, healthy body and mind. Keep a clean home and maintain good company. Worship your chosen God devoutly. Meditate daily.

Niyama’s (Rules of conduct)

Hri: (Remorse) Allow yourself to express remorse, being modest and showing shame for misdeeds. Sincerely apologize to those hurt by your words or deeds.

Santosha: (Contentment) Be happy and seek joy and serenity in what you have.

Dana: (Giving) Be generous to a fault. Give without thought of reward. Help those in need.

Astikya: (Faith) Cultivate an unshakable faith. Believe firmly in God and your chosen path.

Ishvara-Pujana: (Worship) Cultivate devotion through worship.

Siddhanta Shravana: (Scriptural Listening) Read, study and listen to readings that pertain to your chosen path.

Mati: (Cognition) Develop spiritual will and awaken the light within. Find the voice within through meditation.

Vrata: (Sacred Vows) Uphold vows strictly, be they marriage, non-addiction, etc.

Japa: (Recitation) Chant your mantra daily, or pray depending upon your faith.

Austerity: (Tapas) Practice austerity and sacrifice. Be ardent in worship, meditation etc. Ignite the inner fires of transformation.