Yamas and Niyamas
These are a set of moral and ethical principles of Yoga.
The Yamas invite us to examine our relationship with the world around us deeply.
1-Ahimsa: Not to harm or hurt, intentionally, any being, by thought, word or deed.
2- Satya: To speak and express the truth, bearing in mind the well-being of others.
3-Asteya: Not to take possession, physically or mentally, of others' belongings; nor to deprive others of what is rightfully theirs.
4-Brahmacarya: To maintain ideation in Brahma (Supreme Consciousness). To regard all that surrounds us as an expression of Brahma. Not to cultivate any kind of vice and to evaluate where our energy is being channelled.
5-Aparigraha: Not to accumulate unnecessary possessions; not to be self-indulgent. Non-attachment, not making one's life dependent on something or someone.
The Niyamas help us cultivate a balanced, healthy lifestyle and a connection with oureessence essence.
1-Sauca: Cleanliness, purification of body and mind. The cleansing of the mind is achieved through service to others, expressing kindness to all living beings and striving to keep the mind in the spiritual flow.
2-Santosa: To maintain mental balance and contentment in any circumstance â inner peace, resilience.
3-Tapas: To practise service to humanity, aiming to attain the spiritual goal. Discipline, focus, perseverance, effort, courage and proactivity.
4- Svádhyáya: To develop the practice of reading spiritual texts, seeking to clearly understand the meaning of the teachings. Meditation upon yourself, your own body as an object of study and self-knowledge.
5- Isvara-Pranidhana: To make spiritual realisation the supreme goal of life and to strive sincerely to attain it through spiritual practices. To dedicate one's actions to the supreme being, placing oneself at the service of a greater good.
These ethical and moral principles are an invitation to reflect deeply on how we live and how we relate to the world around us.
By integrating the Yamas and Niyamas into our daily lives, we can cultivate a more conscious and harmonious existence. They are not merely spiritual guidelines, but also practical tools to enhance our well-being and strengthen our connections with others.
Explore these principles and see how they can transform your life and your interactions. For more insights and practices on Yoga, keep following our blog.
Namaste! With love, Barbara ð
