Yamas and Niyama
5 pits:
1) Ahimsa:
Ahimsa means non-violence. It promotes compassion, kindness, empathy towards oneself, others and all living things. It cultivates a peaceful and non-harmful mindset by directing actions, thoughts and words towards love, understanding and respect for all forms of life.
2) Satya:
Satya means honesty. This means living in truth, truth and authenticity. Satya involves aligning one's thoughts, words and actions with truth, both internal and external. It promotes integrity, transparency, and a deeper connection with yourself and others.
3) Asteya:
Asteya - non-theft. This goes beyond the act of physical theft and means refraining from taking what is not rightfully ours in any form. Asteya encourages us to cultivate integrity, honesty and respect in our actions and interactions with others. This includes not only refraining from taking material possessions that do not belong to us, but also refraining from stealing time, energy, ideas or opportunities.
Asteya teaches us to recognize the abundance that exists within ourselves and in the world around us. By adopting a mindset of sufficiency and contentment, we can overcome feelings of envy, comparison, and desire for what others have. Instead, we respect and value the unique qualities, achievements and contributions of others.
4) Brahmacharya:
Brahmacharya is the responsible and conscious use of our energy and resources. It involves the practice of moderation and self-restraint in all areas of life, such as our thoughts, emotions, speech, actions, relationships, lifestyle choices and sexuality. It helps us conserve vital energy and channel it towards higher goals. By cultivating brahmacharya, we align ourselves with our highest values, promoting balance, self-control and the realization of our spiritual potential.
5) Aparigraha:
Aparigraha is non-attachment. It teaches us to refrain from greedy acquisition or accumulation of material possessions, experiences or relationships. By cultivating contentment and letting go of the incessant desire for more, we achieve a state of detachment. Aparigraha teaches us that true satisfaction lies within. Through this practice, we find freedom from the burden of possessiveness and attachment and open ourselves to a greater sense of ease and peace. Aparigraha encourages us to live with gratitude, simplicity and the understanding that our worth is determined not by what we have, but by who we are.
5 niyamas:
1) Saucha:
Saucha is purity. This is the first principle of niyama, the second element of the 8 stages of yoga. Saucha involves cultivating purity on several levels: physical, mental and environmental. On the physical level, saucha is about maintaining cleanliness and hygiene to maintain a healthy body. This includes regular bathing, personal hygiene, balanced diet, regular yoga and shatkarmas. At the mental level, saucha involves purifying one's thoughts, emotions and intentions. It helps eliminate negative or harmful mental patterns by cultivating positive and compassionate thinking. At the ecological level, saucha contributes to the creation of a clean and harmonious external environment. This translates into maintaining neat and organized living spaces, respecting and caring for the natural world, and promoting sustainable development. Saucha helps create a harmonious and balanced state, preparing the practitioner for deeper spiritual practices. It develops clarity, calm and a sense of well-being.
2) Santosha:
Santosha is contentment and finding satisfaction in the present moment. It encourages us to cultivate gratitude and acceptance for what we have, rather than dwelling on the past or constantly chasing desires for the future. Santosha teaches us to find satisfaction not only in favorable situations, but also during trials or failures. Santosha teaches us to accept life's fluctuations with equanimity and a positive attitude Santosha teaches us to find peace and joy within ourselves, regardless of our circumstances, promoting a sense of inner harmony and happiness. It reminds us to appreciate the simple pleasures in life and approach every event with an open heart and a grateful attitude.
3) Tapas:
Tapas is self-discipline, self-control and determined continuous efforts to achieve spiritual growth and progress. Tapas involves the development of internal discipline and the use of willpower to adhere to ethical and moral principles, to engage in spiritual practices such as yamas and niyamas, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, meditation, etc. Through Tapas, people strive to purify their mind and body, increase resilience, overcome obstacles and develop inner strength. It is a transformative process that requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to overcome mental and physical challenges for personal growth and spiritual evolution.
4) Svadhyaya:
Svadhyaya is self-study and introspection. It involves the deliberate practice of examining your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors to achieve a deep understanding of yourself. Through Svadhyaya, people develop self-awareness, comprehend patterns and explore the depths of their being. This practice encourages people to observe themselves without judgment, promoting personal growth and transformation. This goes beyond simple self-reflection and also includes studying spiritual texts, scriptures or teachings to increase knowledge and gain insight into one's spiritual path. Svadhyaya promotes the development of a meaningful connection with oneself and awareness of one's true nature.
5) Ishvara Pranidhana:
Ishvara Pranidhana is the submission of the ego to a higher power or divine essence. This involves recognizing that there is a greater force guiding our lives and letting go of the control of our ego. By practicing Ishvara pranidhana, we develop trust, dedication and humility. This helps us let go of our attachment to results and experience the present moment with acceptance and gratitude. Through this practice, we open ourselves to divine guidance, finding peace, purpose in life, and a deeper connection with the Universe.