Yama and Niyama

Post date: Apr 14, 2013 11:4:50 PM

I am a Baha'i. The Baha'i Faith is my religion and the guide of my life. I believe that the goal of my life in this world is to acquire virtues and nourish my soul so that I can be prepared for the next world. The reason I got into yoga so much thus far is not only the physical wellness but its spiritual part: how one needs to have discipline for others and oneself. Yama and Niyama (see below). I believe they are part of the virtues I want to practice and develop in this world as a human being.

Mr. Iyengar says that Yama and Niyama are the foundation of Asanas (poses). Without those two, Asanas are like mere acrobats. It is how yoga is different from other forms of exercise. It emphasizes the spiritual part before the physical part. Though as a teacher, I simply share the ideas and emphasize on Asanas in my classes. Most of us (myself included) can relate better to the body than to spiritual concepts, which I don't think one person can teach to another person. I believe everyone has a unique approach to one's spiritual path and we can only share our own and learn from each other.

Yama (Universal social practice):

Ahimsa (non-violence)

Satya (truthfulness)

Asteya (non-stealing)

Bramacharya (chastity)

Aparigraha (non-covetousness)

Niyama (individual practice):

Sauca (cleanliness)

Santosa (contentment)

Tapas (fervor for the subject)

Svadhyaya (study of the self)

Isvarapraidhana (surrender of all thoughts and actions)