Yamas: The First Limb

The first limb of Patanjali's Yogic System found in the Yoga Sutras are the yamas. Considered to be the first step, it is said that before an aspiring yogini or yogi wishes to begin their asana practice they must first begin practicing the yamas. They can viewed as commandments (which I think is pretty harsh and can sometimes have a negative connotation), rules or vows (I prefer this one ;-). Although considered to be the first step, once you move to the second step, the niyamas, the yamas are not to be forgotten. They are to be practiced and lived for one's entire life. The following description of the yamas was taken directly from Victoria's Yoga Journal. I decided to take them directly from her because I love her description and the notes she has for each one. It is so beautiful, practical and simple; making them easier to understand and apply.

Ahimsa (non-violence)We should not be violent in feelings, thoughts, words or actions.
Practise kindness to all living creatures and yourself, doing no harm.
Show kindness, consideration and friendliness in all that we do and to others.
Try and think before you speak as it may have repercussions or harm others.
Always reflect on the kindness and the beautiful things in life and others.
Show compassion and forgiveness to all.
Do not force yourself into a posture to get deeper, be aware of your body and show feeling and compassion towards it.

Satya (truthfulness)
Live a truthful life.
Being truthful in our feeling, thoughts and deeds.
Pay attention to your own listening style, are you actually listening or are you formulating your reply. Listen to other people.
Don’t gossip or talk ill of people
Watch your intentions behind your words and ask yourself do they have a purpose.
Choose to be kind rather than right.
Practice self control.
Make sure your words are necessary, beneficial, kind and true.
Do not cheat a pose in order to look good or compete with other students.
Keep proper alignment within each posture and listen to your body.
Remember it is your own practice so be truthful to yourself and your body.

Asteya (non-stealing)Don’t take anything that isn’t freely given.Only take what you need with regards to peoples time or emotions.Make sure you don’t hold back energy during practice in order to be able to make the next pose. Make sure you practice each pose to its full potential. Don’t hold back.

Brahmacharya (non-lust) Life is limited and precious.Don’t give in to desires or take in excessRemain faithfulPractice self control and behave responsibly.Be honest and true and don’t exert too much energy on other people.Keep your ego in check and don’t use it for attention or to feel good.During practice make sure you are efficient and maximise each pose with minimum effort.

Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) Let go of any attachment to material things.Don’t hold on to relationships or jobs, let go.Don’t have attachments to material things just for happiness.Don’t hoard or collect things.Do make life simple as possibleTry and train your mind not to feel the loss or lack of anything so that it remains satisfied with what ever happens or comes your way.During practice keep your attention inward and pay attention to your own body and practice with awareness.Don’t look around the class and compare yourself or compete

*Taken directly from Victoria's Yoga Journal Yamas Page. 

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