Yoga’s 10 ethical practices, Yamas and Niyamas, form the first limb of Patanjali’s 8-limb practice. This ranking signifies their importance in a yoga practitioner’s overall spiritual journey and moment-to-moment choices. These restraints and observances guide us to better relationships with ourselves and others. In practicing ethically, we learn to live well. Internalizing the capacity to live well strengthens us for those times when suffering is upon us. In essence, learning to “suffer well” enables us to navigate stormy relations with clear-seeing and calm-abiding.
I often think of [yamas and niyamas] as jewels, because they are the rare gems of wisdom that give direction to a well-lived and joyful life. Deborah Adele
The wisdom of the five Yamas is directed at our personal behaviour and choices — nonviolence, truthfulness, nonstealing, nonexcess, and nonpossessiveness.
- Nonviolence does not require self-sacrifice but rather the ability to live together harmoniously, share resources equitably, and realize what we want without harming others or ourselves. It is possible with practice, and it promises an aura of peace that protects oneself and others. Imagine your presence being so at peace that those around you become peaceful as well.
- Truthfulness does not harm others in the telling. It takes courage to speak the truth in nonviolent ways. Although truth is good and trustworthy, it doesn’t always feel safe and pleasant. Risky as truthtelling may feel, it is life-affirming and growthful. As you master truthfulness, it promises that your spoken words will always come true. Imagine being free from having to go back and apologize or renegotiate.
- Nonstealing asks us not to take from others to reduce our dissatisfaction. Dissatisfaction cannot be transformed through external means. It is an inside job arising from our fears and illusions. If as Adele states, “our outcomes in life are consistent with our abilities”, then growing our satisfaction means growing our abilities. The ensuing confidence acquired from personal growth promises abundance. Imagine, as a receiver, not a taker, life providing everything you need exactly when you need it.
- Nonexcess asks us to know the difference between enough and too much. It invites the release from greed and overindulgence. Emotional attachments and addictions, both mental disturbances, register our neediness for more. However, acquiring more is not what makes us come alive. When we master the limits of enough, the promise is great vitality. Imagine the sense of nourishment and aliveness you feel when you create and contribute.
- Nonpossessiveness or nonattachment requires us to let go of whatever we currently grasp for or cling to. Letting go of our worldly attachments, frees us to be present to the sacred in moment-to-moment living. Without the burdens and maintenance of accumulated possessions, we freely experience our true selves, the divine within us. The promise of letting go is knowledge of experience. Imagine your spirit, on this human journey, happily embracing the mystery of being.
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