The Yamas and Niyamas are considered the ethical and spiritual foundation of Yoga.
If we imagine a tree, the Yamas are its roots and the Niyamas its trunk. Together, they show us how to live with greater harmony, balance and joy. These ethical principles guide us towards a more peaceful and awakened way of being.
Each tradition and every teacher chooses to place greater emphasis on certain Yamas or Niyamas, as each principle contains the essence of all the others. It is said that whoever truly masters one Yama has, in essence, mastered them all, since the underlying path of self-awareness and self-transformation is the same throughout.
YAMAS
The Yamas are ethical principles that guide our relationships with others. They are five principles that teach us what to avoid in order to live in harmony with the world around us.
✴︎ Ahimsa: Non-violence. Cultivating kindness and avoiding harm to others through our actions, words and thoughts.
✴︎ Satya: Truthfulness. Living and speaking with honesty, being truthful with ourselves and with others.
✴︎ Asteya: Non-stealing. Respecting what belongs to others and not taking what is not freely given.
✴︎ Brahmacharya: Conscious use of energy. Traditionally associated with moderation and mindful sexuality, it encourages us to channel our energy with balance and awareness.
✴︎ Aparigraha: Non-attachment. Letting go of greed, living simply and avoiding excessive attachment to material possessions.
Niyamas
The Niyamas are personal observances that cultivate our inner attitude and relationship with ourselves. They are five practices that support personal growth and self-development.
✴︎ Saucha: Purity. Caring for the body and mind, cultivating cleanliness, clarity and inner balance.
✴︎ Santosha: Contentment. Practising gratitude and learning to find happiness in what we already have.
✴︎ Tapas: Discipline. Cultivating commitment, perseverance and the inner fire that supports personal transformation.
✴︎ Svadhyaya: Self-study. Observing ourselves and seeking knowledge that helps us grow with greater awareness.
✴︎ Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender to the Divine. Trusting in something greater than ourselves and accepting that there is a deeper purpose to life.
By living according to the Yamas and Niyamas, we cultivate a more peaceful and balanced path through life. I invite you to reflect on these principles and to explore the practice of Yoga more deeply, allowing it to bring greater clarity, understanding and connection with your true self.
Silvia