Yamas & Niyamas Overview

1. AHIMSA — Non-harming, non-violence, non- killing, compassion
2. APARIGRAHA — Non-attachment, non-grasping, non- possessiveness
3. ASTEYA — To not steal or misappropriate that which belongs to another
4. BRAHMACHARYA — Self-restraint, moderation and mindfulness in expending energy
5. ISHVARA PRANIDHANA — Surrender to a higher power or Source
6. SANTOSHA — Being at peace in the moment; being content with what we have
7. SATYA — Truthfulness in thought, word and action
8. SAUCHA — Cleanliness/purity of body and mind to allow Self-Realization
9. SVADHYAYA — Gaining self-reflection through study of self and spiritual texts
10. TAPAS — Enthusiasm, effort, self-discipline, burning off impurities

Introduction

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Here you’ll find a summary and overview of the yamas and niyamas as two of the Eight Limbs. For in-depth teaching tools for each, please go to the Yoga Sutras Hub and scroll down to the Yamas & Niyamas section.

• The yamas and niyamas are the first two limbs of the Eight Limbs as outlined in Book Two of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
• The yamas are principles of behavior in relationships and may be translated as “restraints.”
• The niyamas concern relationship with self and may be translated as “observances.”

Ethics + Morality vs. Internal Effects

The ten guidelines that make up the yamas and niyamas are sometimes called the Ten Commandments of yoga or the “ethics” of yoga, but these may not always be the most effective ways of considering them.

• Some teachers (including Nicolai Bachman, a respected Sanskrit and yoga philosophy scholar) use the word “ethics” in their description of the yamas and niyamas. So, clearly, this translation is accurate. However, in modern usage, the word “ethics” is often thought of as “moral should’s” which are then easily dismissed as an attempt by an outer authority to control another’s behavior.
• A different perspective comes from the teachings that focus on the personal results obtained from engaging in these practices.
• For example, as the yamas and niyamas teach, when we cause harm or we lie, the consequences are not just external, but internal: our own peace of mind is disturbed. Therefore, causing harm and lying are not being held up as behaviors of a bad person. Rather, they are being shown to be contrary to the purpose of yoga which is to calm the fluctuations of the mind.
• As with all yoga teachings, students are not asked to believe anything about yoga philosophy, but rather to practice and experience the teachings for themselves.