Yogi Corner: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Yama)
The most famous part of the Yoga Sutras is called the "eight limbs." Sometimes referred to as branches, these limbs are to be worked on until the impurities are dwindled away in order to achieve yoga. For March, let's discuss the first limb, also known as the "yamas."
"AHIMSA SATYASTEYA BRAHMACARYAPARIGRAHA YAMAH." B.2, V.30
Translation: Yama consists of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), continence (brahmacharya) and non-greed (aparigraha).
So before postures are learned, before breath control is achieved, before meditation is attempted, one is to adhere strictly to these moral codes. The first five are the yamas or abstinences listed above. At first glance they appear to be fairly easy to recognize. Ahimsa, non-violence. This is good. Do not hurt another living being. Most of us can adhere to this code. How about when someone cuts you off on Rt. 1 and you curse them out? What about the mean thoughts that you have about your difficult in-laws or neighbors? Or what about the chicken parm you enjoyed last night for dinner? Yes, all words and thoughts are energy and vibration. You think something hurtful, it sends hurtful thoughts out into the Universe. Practicing non-violence is actually more challenging than your first thought.
Next up is Satya, truthfulness. Do not tell a lie. Sounds good. So your best friend tells you something in confidence and asks you not to tell another soul, but you figure your spouse doesn't count. How about creativity on your tax returns? Or what about not listening to your inner truth and living a life that is a lie by working at an unsatisfying job or being in a relationship that does not lift your Spirit? Ask yourself if there are any blurry lines in your life with respect to being truthful.
Non-stealing, Asteya, is the third yama. Maybe as youngster you had a run-in with petty theft, but haven't taken anything that wasn't yours since. What about a child's opportunity to learn something on their own? What about taking the spotlight from someone else when it's their turn to shine or talking over someone else to grab all the attention? All types of stealing...just saying.
Brahmacharya is the most confused of all the yamas mostly because it has often been translated to celibacy, which does not work for our way of householder living. Upon a deeper study of bramacharya we uncover the concepts of moderation and respect. Yogis understand that seminal fluid is energy that when stored properly turns into prana. So there is a period of study where the yogi adheres strictly to the points of continence. There are other house-holder stages when procreation takes place for having children. In later stages, more Spiritual practice is undertaken and celibacy restored. In a less strict sense, consider moderation when it comes to sex, always creating boundaries and respect with your partner.
Aparigrapha, non-greed, is the final yama. Some of you just gave up with bramacharya, but for those of you hanging in there with me, let's talk about simplicity. The idea is to only consume that which we need to survive, only own the clothing on our back, and live minimally, with no hoarding or waste. We are consumers, however. We have closets full of clothes and food. We decorate our homes to reflect our personality and we shower loved-ones with gifts all the time. Has it gotten out of hand? Do you have rooms filled with items that you have never used? When was the last time you went through your closet and donated clothing to a local women's shelter or another charity? First start with the excessiveness in your living and cut back. Give away a little at a time. Unloading excess frees up energy in our lives and it feels good to help others in need. Start small and work your way up, deciding what you can eliminate. Live simply and you have less problems. It's true because it's less "stuff" to worry about.
And so the yamas are the very first limb of the eight limbs of yoga. Already there seems to be a lot of work that we can do to clear up some energy in our lives and focus on our Spiritual practice of yoga. Next month we will discuss the niyamas or observances. So use March to focus on the abstinences of the yamas. Good luck!
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