What is Yamas in Yoga?
As the yogi evolves, he discovers facets of his personality that are sometimes unsuspected. He learns to tame what he considers to be his faults and to sublimate them, he uses his qualities to inspire the world.
The Yamas or the Moral Code of Conduct of the Yogi
The yamas we discuss here are in some ways a moral code of conduct that serves to support and help yoga practitioners in their evolution. They are rules of life in our relationships with other individuals.
There are five yamas.
1. Ahimsa: non-violence
This yama of course means that we should not show physical violence towards others, but also that we should cultivate an attitude of benevolence towards our environment, in order to create and maintain peace.
2. Satya: Do not lie
It is the fact of not uttering false words, but also of being fair in one's words, as close to reality as possible. This is valid for oral speech but also for all those little phrases that swirl around in our heads and that often pollute us.
Knowing how to distinguish between true and false is one of the goals of yoga, which develops subtle perceptions.
3. Asteya: do not covet, do not accumulate
Covetousness is wanting to possess what others have and being envious of others. This can create a vicious cycle that leads us to want more and more. By cultivating non-attachment, we become freer and more appreciative of what we already have: our bodies, for example.
4. Brahmacharya: Moderation
It is about learning to manage our energy, avoiding spreading ourselves too thin. When we go into excess, our energy is no longer channeled, we lose our balance. In the practice of yoga, this could for example be translated into doing a posture well before trying to tackle other more complex postures. It is in some ways the middle way.
5. Aparigraha: letting go
This yama recommends not clinging to what we possess, whether it is material goods, people or our current situation. Indeed, everything is impermanent, so we must accept that these things can disappear. Approaching life with letting go means having confidence in the Universe and its ability to bring us what we need, even when it comes to unpleasant experiences.
Far from being strict dogmas, the yamas are positive intentions that can help the individual give and embody the best of himself. They work hand in hand with the niyamas, which are rules of conduct in our relationship with ourselves.
What does this inspire in you? Do you feel ready to test these principles in your life?
