Day 14: Sutra 2:30 - Yama
Yama and Niyama are like a moral or ethical code or system of behaviour. When we incorporate them into our lives the mind will not be disturbed.
Together the five yama and five niyama are like the Ten Commandments of Christianity and the Jewish faith and the ten virtues of Buddhism. Yoga is not a religion, however.
Yamas are really universal principles. The five Yama are:
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Ahimsa – Not causing pain or non-violence. This Yama is about being kind and compassionate to others and yourself. Pay attention to how you treat yourself, others and the environment. Do you do so with care or in a way that is harmful. When you cause others pain, are unkind or disrespectful to yourself or others, these actions disturb your mind and body – emotions ad pain are also stored in the body.
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Satya - Truthfulness. Being truthful in thoughts, action and communication. It means not even telling so-called 'white' lies. When you live in truth then there is nothing to hide and the mind can be peaceful. You need not be afraid of anyone finding out about something you have said or done. You also need to think about whether the truth will cause harm – occasionally it may be better to keep quiet. This does not man that you support a criminal offence, of course.
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Asteya : Non-stealing or taking what does not belong to you. Stealing is often the result of a belief in lack rather than abundance. Sometimes we steal other people's time by being late or even over-running on meetings. Most of us don't see this as stealing, but when you look at it, yes it is ( I am guilty of this definitely).
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Brahmacharya - Sexual moderation, celibacy, continence. This is about using your creative force wisely and not overindulging in sex. Brahmacharya is also about conserving energy. Excessive sex depletes your life force energy or chi and the point here is not to live your life so you are ruled by sex.
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Aparigraha: Non-greed, non- hoarding, being generous in spirit and action. This also refers to not coveting what others have and taking responsibility for creating your life and for your life is it is now. Part of aparigraha is taking action to create what matters to you, for your progress and for developing your potential and stretching your capabilities.
“Connecting with the sense of wholeness within is also indispensable for the development of aparigraha” Aadil Palkhivala.
More tomorrow on a workshop to help you with aparigraha. We'll also cover Niyama tomorrow.
See you then!
