Starting at the Beginning - Yamas

The word “yoga” is often confused with “asana”. While asanas are body postures, yoga, according to Sage Patanjali, is a system of practices leading to the cessation of movements in the mind, of which asana is one. So, in essence anything you do that leads your mind to be still, is a yogic practice. Consistently being able to still the mind allows us to then be established in our own true self, which is known as Samadhi – and this is the goal of yoga. To me, it is important to understand this to truly appreciate the richness of yoga. Looking at the physical practice in isolation allows yoga to be confused with or reduced to just a “workout”.

Sage Patanjali, believed to be the compiler of the Yoga Sutras – a short, incredibly deep Sanskrit text on the theory and practice of yoga - listed eight limbs of practice to attain union with the true self. The eight limbs are not linear, rather circular, links in a chain which are all important. There are however some which are seen to be more fundamental/easier to start with than others. So, we shall follow the order listed by Patanjali.

The first limb is referred to as the “Yamas” and consists of five practices that are pertinent to community living. The yogi or the aspirant, is not expected to give everything up and go into the wilderness to seek his or her goal. Instead, it is very possible to attain Samadhi just where you are. The yamas provide guidelines as to how to behave on the path to Samadhi, and similar to the eight limbs, are practiced concurrently and not in isolation.

Ahimsa – the first yama focuses on non-violence in thought, word, and deed. It is important to note that ahimsa is not just to be practiced with others, but also with ourselves. If we look at our everyday lives, there are so many moments of harm we indulge in – cussing at people who tick us off; not looking after our plants well enough (SIGH!); pushing our bodies too hard on the mat. All of these are forms of violence, big or small. It is said that if someone is truly harmless, everyone in his presence also becomes harmless, which is why you may feel deeply peaceful in the presence of some and agitated in the presence of others.

Satya – the second yama focuses on truthfulness. This does not mean being harsh or brutal with the truth but being honest while practicing the principle of ahimsa. Again, it is important to be honest both with ourselves and others. It is said for those who practice Satya, what they say will come to pass (because they cannot say an untruth)!

Asteya – means non-stealing. This may seem very straightforward but means a lot more than donning a black suit and breaking into someone’s home. What about taking a few pens or other supplies home from the office – would you consider that stealing? Should you? What about finding an item you haven’t paid for in your delivery? Asteya also refers to non-material things such as stealing ideas, or taking credit for something you didn’t do, or stealing someone's peace by allowing your kids to run riot! It also refers to the intent to steal. It is said that those who practice Asteya will receive all the most precious gifts.

Brahmacharya – is often incorrectly translated as “celibacy”. This word actually means behaviour which leads to Brahman, or the divine. I’ve heard some yoga teachers also describe Brahmacharya as an appropriate utilization of time and energy (in the direction of Samadhi). Wasting time scrolling through social media, spending inappropriate amounts of energy on the perfect body, daydreaming, are all examples of non-brahmacharya! It is said that those who practice Brahmacharya will gain strength.

Aparigraha – means non-attachment. This refers to people, places, things, money, status, anything we hold very tight to. It does not mean not caring for others or ourselves, rather, it refers to doing our part and then letting go of what happens after. Several spiritual texts talk about the importance of being detached from the outcomes of what we do including the Bhagvad Gita. The focus is more on the journey than the destination. It is said that those who practice non-attachment will understand the true purpose of their existence.

The yamas are often referred to as “rules” or “moral disciplines”. If you look carefully, you will see that there is no morality attached to yoga. It simply talks about cause and effect. If you do x, y will happen. If you let go of violent thoughts – you will not be so agitated all the time – you will then probably be able to focus on the important things in your life, your physical and mental health, your finances, people who are important to you – this would then allow you space to look inwards more – meditate deeper – and then, eventually, hooray – attain Samadhi! Practicing the yamas from a space deep within, simply means having less crap to deal with. The more clarity we have, the easier for us to find our flow. There is no heaven or hell. No reward or punishment meted out by an invisible judge. Simply, cause and effect. Which puts us squarely in charge of our own lives. Let’s start taking charge with the yamas.

Love and light, Prasi.