Yoga philosophy: Yamas in every day life
“Ahimsa satya asteya brahmacharya
aparigraha yama”
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 2.30
Once you understand the basics around Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga you can dive into more detail with the yamas and niyamas. These first two steps along the eight-fold path outline the ways of ‘right living’ that form the foundation of your yoga practice.
The yamas are the first limb in the eight fold path outlined by the Yoga Sutras. They’re the moral restraints or ‘don’t do’ practices that can guide you from within and externally. They can also help you become more disciplined about your attitudes and behaviour patterns.
There are five yamas:
Ahimsa - do no harm
Satya - don’t lie
Asteya - don’t steal
Bramacharya - don’t root around (!)
Aparigraha - don’t be greedy
1. Yama – AHIMSA (do no harm)
This is probably the most important of the five because it covers the whole gamut of how we show up in the world. Ahimsa helps us adopt a considered attitude to be mindful of our thoughts, words and deeds so that we don’t cause harm.
Not only is that about how we react and respond to others, or about external and practical matters like the food we eat and the things we buy. It’s also about how we should not harm ourselves.
I practice ahimsa by being aware of what and where I buy goods like food and clothes. I’m not a vegan warrior but I try to choose vegan food and in particular I avoid dairy and meat. I also seek out responsibly made clothing, and like most families now it’s natural for us to recycle. Reducing waste in our home has become much easier and more fun now that we’re growing a beautiful garden full of vegies and herbs which means we’re madly compositing and worm farming.
Also, I invest my money ‘for good’ – my superannuation is with a fund that is ethical because I know that can have an impact on the world. It’s an easy way to practice ahimsa without having to really try because once you’re set, you can forget, knowing that your money is good for the planet.
2. Yama – SATYA (don’t lie)
The subtle elements of this yama are so interesting. It’s easy to consider how telling the truth is a noble goal. But what about those times where you may have fibbed to avoid hurting someone’s feelings or ending up in an awkward situation?
The tricky element about satya is how to manage telling the truth without harming those around you. Finding the balance between these first two yamas - satya (don’t lie) and ahimsa (do no harm) - can be a challenge. That’s why it’s probably best to sometimes start with ahimsa. Sure, it’s important to tell the truth, but can you do it in a way that does not harm someone unnecessarily? Perhaps that might mean you end up saying nothing. Swim in your own lane!
Another point that resonates with this yama is recognising and owning your own truth. Have you avoided your deepest feelings or needs then ultimately ended up harming yourself, or dragging out the inevitable pain?
There is a phrase that resonates for me with this aspect:
‘Don’t abandon yourself’
Practising satya means acknowledging your truth, then honouring that truth. Usually that’s the best path to follow.
My practice of satya continues every day by aiming to use honest self-expression, being aware of judgmental observations, recognising my true feelings and then speaking my truth. It’s about understanding universal human needs, my own individual needs and then if I need to ask for help to meet those needs, then satya can help me make a clear request without making it a demand. I can then avoid harm (ahimsa) and perhaps even connect with others at a deeper level.
3. Yama – ASTEYA (don’t steal)
I have a clear memory from when I was in Year 7. I stole an eraser from a knick-knack shop. Do you remember a chain of gift shops in the ‘80s called Granny May’s? Wasn’t it just the most fun place ever? Kinda like entering a bubble-gum pink mash-up of Smiggle and Typo with sections that were ‘adult only’ (eg. dad-joke funny birthday cards with Benny Hill sexual innuendo). I was with a small group of friends, who apparently regularly shoplifted. They dared me to do it. I wanted to fit in. But I was terrified! For days afterwards I thought the police would find out and throw me in gaol. I thought my dad, who worked in the local courthouse, would disown me. Oh the guilt!
Like satya, there is an obvious side to asteya. Of course we should not take anything that does not belong to us. There’s also a more subtle element. It’s not just about stealing ‘things’. You can steal something less tangible. You can take up someone’s time by being late. You can steal someone’s limelight by interrupting and taking over their story.
Have you heard of the ‘seventh-generation’ principal? It’s another form of asteya, based on the indigenous American philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future. That is, public decisions today should not steal from generations in the future. Do not harm the children.
Today we can reference that principle with decisions like how we manage our energy, water supplies and natural resources. And again, this can be connected with ahimsa - ‘do no harm’.
4. Yama – BRAHMACHARYA (abstain from passion)
I have to say, this yama hadn’t been part of my typical codes to live by. I first learned about it in my yoga teacher training classes. At first I understood it to mean ‘don’t root around’! That seems reasonable. I completely understand that sex is a powerful force so I like the idea of being able to direct my sexual energy for spiritual growth.
However, brahmacharya can be more than sexual restraint. It can be a way to help us moderate our senses and manage our sensory cravings.
The way I think of it now in my life is through that old saying my Granny used to always use - everything in moderation. Some of my cravings include chocolate, fried toast smothered in (vegan) butter topped with almond butter (yes, that is a thing for me), and of course social media scrolling when my FOMO is ramped up.
Sometimes, when I feel like I’m going overboard, I try to notice or witness what I’m doing. I notice the sensations, take a breath and take note.
5. Yama – APARIGRAHA (don’t be greedy)
Gawd, this yama goes deep for me. I’m not a hoarder around the home, or an over-packer on holidays, and I don’t tend to get green with envy when comparing myself to others.
However, on the financial security and money front, knowing when I have enough and trusting that all will be well in time is a constant challenge for me. How much is enough? How much do we really need to live a full, purposeful and happy life?
I recognise I have patterns from the past and family history with financial security. I never considered that to be ‘greed’, but now I can see that fear-based behaviours and decisions being driven by lack and scarcity is, for me, aparigraha.
Now I can be more aware of aparigraha and check myself to come from a place of generosity, whether that’s sharing love, time, resources, or indeed money. It’s also about being selfless rather than selfish. And it’s about knowing and being comfortable with the question of how much is enough.
My goal is to continue relaxing into a sense of contentment around aspects like saving money and planning for an uncertain future. There’s more to unfold here for sure.
Now, let’s look at the niyamas in everyday life.