The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a collection of sutras (concise texts) in Sanskrit on the theory and practice of yoga. There are 196 sutras in total. The sage Patanjali was a Brahmin intellectual, likely a yoga practitioner, and the author of the Yoga Sutras. He was also the author of the Mahabhashya, an important grammatical commentary, and an Ayurvedic treatise.
The Yoga Sutras were compiled in the early centuries of our era by this sage in India, who synthesized and organized knowledge about yoga from much older traditions. The Yamas and Niyamas originate from the Yoga Sutras and are part of Ashtanga Yoga. Etymologically, Ashtanga Yoga means "8 limbs," which can be visualized as stages on a path (the path of Yoga), with the final goal being the cessation of mental disturbances. The Yamas and Niyamas are the first two limbs.
There are 8 angas (limbs) of yoga. The first is called "Yamas," which means "restraint" or "control" in Sanskrit. In yoga philosophy, the Yamas are a moral code of conduct that supports and guides yoga practitioners in their evolution. By using the Yamas to enhance our self-discipline (restraint) and purify our intentions, our character improves. There are 5 Yamas in total.
Ahimsa, or non-violence, refers not only to physical violence but also to mental and emotional harm. The first step in practicing Ahimsa is becoming aware of the harm we may cause. We must find a balance that allows us to lead a productive and healthy life while minimizing harm as much as possible, even though it may be impossible to avoid all harm entirely.
Knowing the truth and speaking the truth. This also extends to living in harmony with your own truth, as well as understanding and accepting the truth about yourself and the world around you.
Asteya is the practice of not taking something that doesn’t belong to us, whether it’s material or not. This principle extends beyond physical possessions and includes respecting others' time, energy, and ideas. By practicing Asteya, we cultivate contentment and reduce the desire for things that are not ours, leading to a more harmonious and honest way of living.
Originally, Brahmacharya referred to sexual abstinence, particularly for yogis living in the forests who needed to avoid worldly pleasures to maintain their focus. Over time, the term has evolved. Brahmacharya now encourages us to control our desires and limit our indulgence in sensory pleasures, as these can distract us from more meaningful and effective paths to happiness and contentment.
Practicing Brahmacharya doesn't require complete abstinence or avoiding all enjoyable things. Instead, it asks us to appreciate what we already have and to seek pleasure with moderation.
In today's world of overconsumption, Aparigraha encourages us to reject the desire to possess more and to be less attached to material things and people in our lives. It’s about embracing simplicity and finding contentment in a simpler life.
1) Rank the Yamas: Arrange the yamas from 1 to 5, with 1 being the one you most want to improve.
2) Identify Areas for Growth: For each yama, list 2-3 specific aspects you want to work on to improve them.
3) Take Action: Over the next few days, focus on one of these aspects and actively work on it.
