In modern yoga, asana brings us to the practice, but the true foundation of yoga starts off the mat with the Yamas. These ethical principles shape our relationship with the world and form the first limb of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path, known as Ashtanga yoga. The Yamas serve as a guide to cultivating mindfulness, integrity, and harmony in both our physical practice and daily life. They are broken down into five categories, let’s explore them and highlight some books that offer deeper insight.
Ahimsa (Non-violence)
More than just avoiding harm, ahimsa invites us to practice kindness toward ourselves, others, and even in how we approach challenging asanas. How often do we push too hard in a pose rather than listen to our body’s needs? Ahimsa extends to how we speak to ourselves and others. A great book to explore this principle is The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar, which emphasizes a gentle, personalized approach to practice.
Satya (Truthfulness)
Satya is about being honest not just in words but in actions. Can we acknowledge where we are in our practice without judgment? Can we be truthful about what serves our well-being? The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele provides a thoughtful, accessible guide to understanding truthfulness in daily life.
Asteya (Non-stealing)
Beyond material possessions, asteya is about not stealing time (from rest), energy (from overexertion), or joy (by comparing ourselves to others). Learning to be content and grateful for what we have is a crucial part of this practice. Yoga and the Quest for the True Self by Stephen Cope is a great book to explore deeper self-reflection and contentment.
Brahmacharya (Moderation)
Often misunderstood, brahmacharya is about establishing balance, conserving energy, practicing with intention, and finding steadiness in movement and thought. In our modern world of overconsumption, this Yama teaches us restraint from excess. The Bhagavad Gita (translated by Eknath Easwaran) offers profound insights into the importance of self-discipline and mindful living.
Aparigraha (Non-attachment)
Letting go of expectations, whether in yoga postures, life goals, or material attachments, is the essence of aparigraha. This is the practice of trusting the journey rather than clinging to outcomes. Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life by Judith Hanson Lasater offers practical ways to integrate non-attachment into daily life and yoga practice.
Yoga isn’t just about what happens on the mat, it’s about how we navigate life’s challenges. Whether it’s remembering the principle of ahimsa in Kapotasana or embodying aparigraha in letting go of frustration, the Yamas offer a roadmap for a mindful, intentional life.
What Yama speaks to you most right now? How do these ethical threads weave into your daily practice? Drop some inspiration in the comments section below, and don’t forget to like and share on our socials!