Yama and Niyamas – The first step into the Science of Yoga

Yama and Niyama – Foundation of Yoga

Yama’s (यम) are ethical considerations to help guide interactions with others.

There are five Yama;

1. Ahimsa (अहिंसा): Nonviolence. Practice nonviolence in thought, word, and deed; practice self-love.
2. Satya (सत्य): truthfulness; tell the truth; opt for silence if your words may harm others
3. Asteya (अस्तेय): non-stealing; do not steal, even in non-material ways, such as withholding information or time
4. Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य): Chastity and fidelity; use your energy wisely and with intention; avoid excess or overindulgence
5. Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह): non-possessiveness; you are enough and you have everything you need already

The Eight Limbs of Yoga are core principles that serve as a compass for living a meaningful and purposeful life. The two first steps are often overlooked as they are less tangible than the rest. It is the deep internal work that actually prepares you to enter into the rest of the limbs. We deeply recommend you use the Yama’s and Niyama’s as your daily compass to understand where you are in your practice and how ready you are to go into your physical practice. They help you to balance your ego so you minimize your risk of injuries physically and energetically. 

At first glance, these considerations mirror the basic morals taught in kindergarten but have depth in their continued practice. Swipe to see a few alternative versions to consider.

Please keep in mind that there are many interpretations of the Yama’s and Niyama’s; find the definitions best suited to your personal practice.

Niyama’s ( ): The Niyama’s are practices that develop self-discipline and perspective.

1. Saucha ( ): Cleanliness; leave a place cleaner than you found it! This goes both for the internal world and the external.
2. Santosha ( ): Contentment; Don’t worry, be happy.
3. Tapas ( ): Willpower and Self-discipline; Tapas is doing something you do not want to do; that has a positive effect on your life. 
4. Svadhyaya ( ): Study of self and scriptures; Learn from your mistakes.
5. Ishvara Pranidhana ( ): Surrender to the divine; simply develop faith

The second limb of Patanjali’s eight-limbed yoga system contains the five internal practices of Niyama; they are constructive tools for cultivating happiness and self-confidence; the opportunities to practice them arise every day.

The niyamas are all practices that can be considered inner observances. They are a way of applying the ethical codes of yoga to the student’s own mind, body, and spirit, helping to create a positive environment internally.

Practicing the niyama is said to give the practitioner the inner strength, clarity, and discipline that he/she needs in order to progress on his/her spiritual journey.