Yamas

The yamas are the first limb listed by Patañjali in his Yoga Sutras. As is common for Sanskrit words, the word yama translates into English in many different ways: Self-restraint, outward observance, abstention or restriction. The yamas are:

Ahimsa :Non-violence-ahimsa means doing no harm of any kind under any circumstances and as such many yogis are vegetarian or vegan. This is understandable from a certain point of view, especially if one believes in reincarnation. Is doing harm acceptable under certain circumstances? Normally cutting a person's arm off would be prohibited by ahimsa but what if cutting the arm off is the only way to save that person's life? It is important to remember that not all circumstances are equal. My own belief does not encompass reincarnation and is that God has placed all life, animals and plants, under the stewardship of man and that all life has been placed here for our use, including using meat for food. That stewardship requires that I use these things wisely and with gratitude. I am grateful for each life, plant or animal, which makes my life possible whether it be the trees which were felled to build my home or the vegetables and fish which will make my meal tonight.

Satya :Truth-Satya, truth, is the second of the yamas identified by Patañjali in his Yoga Sutras:Another translation says that this means that when one is established in the truth, then everything he says will come true or come to pass. It sounds like some claim to mystical powers of prophecy but it really isn't. I know that if I drop a raw egg to the floor, it will crack. I am obviously not predicting the future, just stating the truth. Always speaking the truth is a simple thing, needing so little explanation and yet requiring such great discipline.

If one were only required to speak the truth, this would be a simple request. However, one is required first to practice ahimsa and then satya. What if speaking the truth will cause harm, what does one do then? What if speaking the truth would cause harm but would also bring about much good? What if speaking the truth and remaining silent both will cause harm? Another aspect of this is the way the truth is spoken. If spoken with criticism, even the most joyous truth is harmful and if spoken with great compassion, even the most terrible truth is uplifting.

Asteya :Non-stealing -Asteya, non-stealing, is the third of the yamas identified by Patañjali in his Yoga Sutras:
2.29 The eight limbs of Union are self-restraint in actions, fixed observance, posture, regulation of energy, mind-control in sense engagements, concentration, meditation, and realization.2.30 Self-restraint in actions includes abstention from violence, from falsehoods, from stealing, from sexual engagements, and from acceptance of gifts.2.31 These five willing abstentions are not limited by rank, place, time or circumstance and constitute the Great Vow.

Brahmacharya :Continence-Brahmacharya, celibacy or continence, is the fourth of the yamas identified by Patañjali in his Yoga Sutras:
2.29 The eight limbs of Union are self-restraint in actions, fixed observance, posture, regulation of energy, mind-control in sense engagements, concentration, meditation, and realization.2.30 Self-restraint in actions includes abstention from violence, from falsehoods, from stealing, from sexual engagements, and from acceptance of gifts.2.31 These five willing abstentions are not limited by rank, place, time or circumstance and constitute the Great Vow.

Aparigraha :Non-greed

The Yoga Sutras say this:
2.29 The eight limbs of Union are self-restraint in actions, fixed observance, posture, regulation of energy, mind-control in sense engagements, concentration, meditation, and realization.2.30 Self-restraint in actions includes abstention from violence, from falsehoods, from stealing, from sexual engagements, and from acceptance of gifts.2.31 These five willing abstentions are not limited by rank, place, time or circumstance and constitute the Great Vow.

The yamas govern how we interact with the world around us beginning with our own bodies and moving outward from there. Patañjali indicates that the five yamas are important for all people at all times and that the yamas are the Great Vow. Just as practicing the asanas brings our bodies into harmony along with other benefits; following the yamas brings our outward actions into harmony along with other fringe benefits. Each of the yamas will be covered separately beginning with ahimsa. The other yamas can be found under the Thoughts menu.