Are the Yama and Niyama important?
You might ask why Yoga needs moral codes. What do practising bridge pose or a twisted seat have to do with being honest?
At first glance, surely nothing. Here is why you could consider it essential.
The Aim of Yoga
Yoga aims for us to reach a sense of peace of mind or mental balance. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras map a road we can travel to reach this state.
Two of the components of this road map are the Yama and Niyama. Patanjali places them before practices such as asanas, pranayama or meditation.
Let's have a look at what the Yama and Niyama are.
Yama
Ahimsa – non-violence or kindness
Satya - truthfulness
Ashteya – non-stealing
Brahmacharya - modesty/energy management
Aparigraha – non-greed
Niyama
Sauca - cleanliness
Santosha - contentment
Tapasya - discipline
Svadhyaya – self-study
Ishvarapranidhana – surrender
Why might they be significant?
The depth of these disciplines or codes has been expounded many times. However, I am here more interested in exploring the "Why".
An Aid for Self-Development
Yoga is goal oriented. Whatever is explained in scriptures, such as Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Bhagavad Gita, helps us develop or evolve in our life as human beings.
The moral codes bring discipline into our minds.
Day in and day out, we are exposed to a multitude of information entering through our senses. By nature, our mind is borderless; it's in the space and air elements that are boundless and vast. As, naturally, the structure is missing; we must implement it.
Did you know that it is our mind's nature to flag the negative points? Knowing this, we could view it as an opportunity to see patterns, attitudes etc., which we need to overlay with patterns which serve us better.
For some, this process is more challenging than for others; breaking through our behavioural patterns isn't easy.
The Yama could be used as guidance for implementing new patterns or thoughts. They suggest being kind to ourselves and to others. Isn't our inner conversation often harsher than the one with family, friends & colleagues?
The Yama ask us as well to be truthful. To develop and evolve, it is of utter importance that we see ourselves the way we truly are. Being true to ourselves and acknowledging our traits, weaknesses, and strengths truthfully is the first step on the path to transformation.
Not being greedy or not stealing could be seen as reminders for our minds to look at the positive and what we already have and can do rather than looking at others. This helps us find our life's purpose and not feel the need to live someone else's life. The Bhagavad Gita states in its third chapter,
'It is better to do your own duty/calling even imperfectly, than someone else’s duty/calling perfectly.' BG 3.35
The Energies of Yoga
Here is some food for thought.
Yoga creates energy. When we practise Yoga postures, pranayama and meditation, our energy increases.
We might have better oxygenation through deeper breathing.
Our body might metabolise the food more effectively due to our asana practice, which leaves us more energised.
Our focus is enhanced, freeing up mental energy.
In such a way, our energy level rises. The energy increases throughout our entire being, which means into both our good traits and those with room for improvement. Both get stronger.
Here is where the Yama and Niyama have their place; they accompany our physical practice.
As our asana practice strengthens our body, the Yama and Niyama guide our minds to become focused, kind, honest, and content. Qualities that bring calm and ease, and balance.
It even works if the aim of Yoga is not our personal goal; if we enjoy the physical benefits of an asana practice, that's it.
When we
get to know ourselves better,
start being kind to and honest with ourselves,
focus on what we have rather than what others have,
acknowledge that others inspired us to do or write something rather than pretending it was us,
when we implement these new thoughts, they leave impressions in our minds and slowly change our mental attitude.
Conclusion
Our practice can help us develop, become more human, and look out for others or become more selfish and concerned with ourselves.
We can strengthen and develop our whole being by practising holistically. The Yama and Niyama can offer one way to help us on our path. The eight limbs, of which the Yama and the Niyama are the first two, are designed to help us to overcome the five obstacles, the five Kleshas.
At the end of the 8 limbs awaits the goal, Samadhi, the state of balance, which doesn't sway whatever life brings.
Email me if the Yama and Niyama have helped you.
