Yama

Defined as self control, forbearance, or any great rule or duty. It can also be interpreted as ‘attitude’ or ‘behaviour’. A particular attitude can be expressed as discipline, which then influences our behaviour. Behaviour patterns or relationships between the individual and the outside world.

There are five different YAMA’S…

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  • AHIMSA (Harmlessness) To not injure or show cruelty to any creature or person in any way whatsoever. Kindness, friendliness, and thoughtful consideration of other people and things.
  • SATYA (Truthfulness) To speak the truth. To consider what we say, how we say it, and in what way it could affect others. Only speak the truth which is pleasant. Do not speak unpleasant truths.
  • ASTEYA(Non-Stealing) Take nothing that does not belong to you by right of consciousness and karma
  • BRAHMACHARYA (Sense Control) Movement towards the essential truth, used mostly in the sense of abstinence, particularly in relationship to sexual activity. We should form relationships that foster our understanding of the highest truths. If sensual pleasures are part of those relationships, we must take care that we keep our direction and do not get lost. Follow responsible behaviour with respect to our goal of moving towards the truth.
  • APARIGRAHA ( Neutralising the desire to acquire and hoard wealth) ‘Hands off’ or ‘not seizing opportunity’. Take only what is necessary and don’t take advantage of a situation or act greedy. Take only what you have earned, if we take more we are exploiting someone else. Unearned rewards can bring with them obligations that might later cause problems.

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    Parigraha is the increasing orientation towards material things. The less time we spend on our material possessions, the more we have to spend on investigating all that we call Yoga. We will learn to enjoy what we have rather than constantly seeking things we don’t have and never being satisfied in life. It is a SCIENTIFIC FACT that the more money and material possessions we have, the more stressful we become.

    When these five behaviours outlined become part of a person’s daily life they become kinder and more considerate, our presence will create pleasant and friendly feelings in people around us.

    And if we remain true to the idea of SATYA (Truthfulness) everything we say will be truthful. We will become trustworthy.

    ‘ONE’S WORD IS CONSIDERED ONE’S BIGGEST ASSET’

     

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