Yoga isn’t just about physical poses. The ancient yogis used the physical (hatha) yoga to prepare their bodies for the quiet of meditation. So in addition to the physical practice there is, in fact, similar to all spiritual paths, a set of moral codes to help guide our lives. This set of practices, or codes, is broken into two categories: Yamas and Niyamas.
Yamas are the letting go, Niyamas are the embrace. It is deceptively easy to “get” the precepts, but, as one meditates on and strives to implement the practices, they are endless in their transformative power. They are also a fabulous way to go deeper into seeing what makes you tick. Don’t get me wrong. It is very challenging to live even one precept for a week or two or even a day. But I promise if you can take these teachings in even a little, your life will change. Or, at least, your MIND will change.
The Yamas consist of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (moderation) and Aparigraha (greedlessness). The Niyamas are Saucha (purity), Samtosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (self-study) and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to God). An impressive list, yes? There is also much language to balk at, without even really knowing what it’s all about. Surrender to God? Purity? I don’t ever steal… I don’t have to worry about that one! Austerity? What the heck?? And really, how can these concepts POSSIBLY apply to my modern, city-dwelling, parenting, married, working, (insert your own), life?
This was my reaction the first time I read about the precepts. Perhaps you are rubbing your hands together in glee, impatient to learn more. I sure wasn’t!
Slowly but slowly, as the weeks go on, I will offer up discourse on each Yama and Niyama, one at a time. I encourage you (and I will too) to work with each precept, one at a time.
{ 2 trackbacks }