Self Help: Yamas and Niyamas

Yamas and Niyamas are the first two limbs of the eight limbed Ashtanga Yoga system ( asana, pranayama, pratyahara (see post below), dharana, dhyana, and samadhi are the other six).  These principals are helpful in asana practice and in our everyday lives. Ask yourself if your choices/situation holds true to these principals, what changes can be made, what feels right?  In times of confusion, chaos, or fear, the Yamas and Niyamas are a great place to come for advice! 

Yamas: ethical disciplines



1- ahimsa, non harming

Ahimsa pratishthayam tat sannidhou vairatyagah.

Upon being established in non-hurtfulness, there is a relinquishing of

 hostility in the presence of that (ahimsa). -YS 2.35

2- satya, truthfulness

Satya pratishthayam kriya phala shrayatvam.

Upon being established in truth there is surety in the result of actions. -YS 2.36

3- asteya, non stealing

Asteya pratishthayam savaratna upathanam.

Upon being established in non-stealing, there occurs the attainment of all prosperity.- YS 2.37

4- bramacharya, moderation

Brahmacharya pratishthayam virya labhah.

Upon being established in bramacharya, there is attainment of vital energy. -YS 2.38

5- aprigraha, non hoarding

Aprigraha sthairya janma kathamta sambodha.

Upon a foundation of non possessiveness, there arises full 

understanding of the wherefore of birth.- YS 2.39

Niyamas: individual disciplines


1- saucha, purity

Shauchat swanga jugupsa parair asamsargah.

Owing to purity, there is a desire to protect one's own body, being the non-contact 

with whatever is adverse to that- YS 2.40

2- santosha, contentment

Santoshad anuttama sukha labhah.

owing to contentment there is an unexcelled attainment of happiness.- YS 2.42

3- tapas, self discipline

Kayendriyasiddhirashuddhikasyah tapasah.

The perfection of the body and sense organs due to intensity in spiritual practice,

being the elimination of impurities.-YS 2.43

4- svadyaha, self study

Swadhyayad ishtadevata samprayogah.

Owing to the learning and application of personal mantras, 

there is union with one's desired deity.- YS 2.44

5- ishvara pranidhana, dedication to God...aka: your highest self

Samadhi Siddih Ishwaraprandidhanat

The perfection of samadhi is due to the perfect alignment of attention with the omniscient seer within-YS 2.45