8 Limbs of Yoga: 1 -The Yamas
The Yamas - Five Principles of Social Ethics
by DiLynn Stephens, "The Yoga Witch"
Welcome to the first entry in our series exploring the ethical foundations of yoga philosophy! We are continuing from our earlier Introduction to the 8 Limbs of Yoga I shared earlier.
Today, we'll delve into the Yamas, the first limb of Patanjali's Eightfold Path. These are the social ethics, the guidelines for how we interact with the world around us. Think of them as the roots of a strong, healthy tree, providing a stable base for our spiritual growth.
The Yamas are five principles that encourage us to live in harmony with ourselves and others:
Ahimsa (Non-violence): This extends beyond physical harm. It’s about cultivating kindness and compassion in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Satya (Truthfulness): Being honest and authentic in our communication, while also considering the impact of our words.
Asteya (Non-stealing): Respecting the time, possessions, and boundaries of others.
Brahmacharya (Moderation): Finding balance and avoiding excess in all aspects of life.
Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Letting go of attachments to material things, outcomes, and even identities.
These principles may seem simple, but they require constant awareness and practice. They challenge us to examine our behaviors and make conscious choices that align with our values.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore each of the Yamas in detail, examining how they can be applied to our daily lives. We’ll discuss practical ways to cultivate these qualities and how they can contribute to a more fulfilling and harmonious existence.
Until then, may your actions be guided by compassion and your words by truth.
