The five Yamas (rules of conduct)
Ahimsa means nonviolence. A vegetarian diet usually is part of the practice of ahimsa, as obviously we will hurt other living beings when we eat meat.
Satya is truthfulness. When we are searching for Absolute truth, we know only through truthfulness we can obtain the truth. That requires us to be true to ourselves and others, both in actions and expressions.
Asteya means refraining from theft. From a higher consciousness perspective, nothing belongs to us; we are just consumers of resources. In the broader sense, everyone who accumulates more than he needs is a thief. Thus a simply life is the best way to practice asteya.
Brahmacharya is often translated as celibacy. For our daily life, means no illicit sex.
Aparigraha means one should not expect something from others. Applied to our life, we could offer help or service, but we can not expect in exchange money, special relationships, fame or even respect from others. We just do what we are doing.
The five Nīyamas (fixed observances)
Tapas refers to austerity or penance. Just like every country has laws and regulations, so does a Yoga lifestyle. When we voluntary accept these principles and regulations, we are practicing tapas.
Svadhyaya means the study of what relates to Self. This wisdom is acquired through Self study and reflects the intelligence in daily life.
Īśhvara praṇidhāna means surrender to the Supreme Ruler. This is a very important attitude for Yoga practitioners. We need this subordinate consciousness in our lives. Let our activities be under the guidance of the Supreme consciousness. Surrendering allows action without reaction and acceptance of things as they are. What we do is only to discharge duties---either duties we like or don’t like. By this way we become free from Karma.
Saucha means cleanliness, purity. It not only refers to physical cleanliness, but purity of thought as well. When we purify our body, speech and mind, we then are able to have clear reflection of the Self. We will be able to have visions of the Divine.
Santosha is contentment, satisfaction. Yoga practice is meant to seek inner peace and happiness. We should know what happiness actual is. Some people when intoxicated feel happy at that moment. But obviously that’s not true happiness, it’s artificial. Real contentment is an experience; most of time can not show to others.
Welcome to join Rupa Manjari Devi Das’s meditation and Yoga classes at Wishingtree Yoga Centre. For more information, visit www.wishingtreeyoga.ca
Ahimsa means nonviolence. A vegetarian diet usually is part of the practice of ahimsa, as obviously we will hurt other living beings when we eat meat.
Satya is truthfulness. When we are searching for Absolute truth, we know only through truthfulness we can obtain the truth. That requires us to be true to ourselves and others, both in actions and expressions.
Asteya means refraining from theft. From a higher consciousness perspective, nothing belongs to us; we are just consumers of resources. In the broader sense, everyone who accumulates more than he needs is a thief. Thus a simply life is the best way to practice asteya.
Brahmacharya is often translated as celibacy. For our daily life, means no illicit sex.
Aparigraha means one should not expect something from others. Applied to our life, we could offer help or service, but we can not expect in exchange money, special relationships, fame or even respect from others. We just do what we are doing.
The five Nīyamas (fixed observances)
Tapas refers to austerity or penance. Just like every country has laws and regulations, so does a Yoga lifestyle. When we voluntary accept these principles and regulations, we are practicing tapas.
Svadhyaya means the study of what relates to Self. This wisdom is acquired through Self study and reflects the intelligence in daily life.
Īśhvara praṇidhāna means surrender to the Supreme Ruler. This is a very important attitude for Yoga practitioners. We need this subordinate consciousness in our lives. Let our activities be under the guidance of the Supreme consciousness. Surrendering allows action without reaction and acceptance of things as they are. What we do is only to discharge duties---either duties we like or don’t like. By this way we become free from Karma.
Saucha means cleanliness, purity. It not only refers to physical cleanliness, but purity of thought as well. When we purify our body, speech and mind, we then are able to have clear reflection of the Self. We will be able to have visions of the Divine.
Santosha is contentment, satisfaction. Yoga practice is meant to seek inner peace and happiness. We should know what happiness actual is. Some people when intoxicated feel happy at that moment. But obviously that’s not true happiness, it’s artificial. Real contentment is an experience; most of time can not show to others.
Welcome to join Rupa Manjari Devi Das’s meditation and Yoga classes at Wishingtree Yoga Centre. For more information, visit www.wishingtreeyoga.ca
