The Yamas and the Niyamas are the great moral codes of Yoga, and roughly comparable to the Ten Commandments. they are first and foremost the foundation of all Yogic practise, since with this frame work, all practise would be chaotic.
They are divided in to 2 groups of 5; Yamas, or the "dos", and Niyamas, or the "don'ts".
First the Yamas.
- Ahimsa: non-violence, kindness, no harm in your actions.
- Satya: Truthfulness
Truthfulness of speech, thoughts and deeds.
- Asteya: Non-Stealing
Not coveting, not being jealous.
- Brahmacharya: Moderation, Channeling Emotions, Moderation in all things, self-containment.
- Aparigraha: Non-Possessiveness, Greedlessness, Simplicity
Fulfilling needs rather than wants.
Then the Niyamas.
- Shaucha: Purity/Clarity
Purity of body, cleanliness, good health habits, a clear and orderly environment.
- Santosha: Contentment
Accept what is, make the best out of everything.
- Tapas: Austerity
The willingness to do what is necessary to reach a goal with discipline.
- Swadhyaya: Self-Education, Study
Consider the meaning of spiritual concepts – understanding the underlying wisdom, NOT accepting without question. Expanding knowledge through reading, pondering to understand the scriptures for observation of the self in relation to all life.
- Ishwara-Pranidhana: Surrender to God/Light/Energy of the Universe
Practice: faith, dedication, sincerity, and patience to transcend the ego, which is so resistant to surrender.
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