Started on November 21, 2025
The ethics of Yoga toward self and others
The Yamas and Niyamas
These meanings resonate the most with me.
Yamas
Ethics toward others
Yamas = control / restraint / curb
| YAMA | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ahimsa | Nonharming, kindness, compassion, non-violence |
| Satya | Truthfulness, truth, linving in honesty / integrity, aligning speech and action with what is true |
| Asteya | what belongs to others, "I only want what is meant for me", consumption, nonstealing, respecting |
| Brahmacharya | Energy Moderation, using energy wisely, awareness to not overindulge, channeling your life force constructively |
| Aparigraha | Non-grasping, simplicity |
Niyamas
Ethics toward self
Ni = self
Niyamas = self control
| NIYAMA | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shaucha | "Purity," cleanliness, mental clutter (mental purity), cleaning what doesn't serve us, Exercise of upholding our inner clarity (including knowing your needs better) |
| Santosha | Contentment, cultivating gratitude & acceptance, peace with the present moment, not chase the external for gratification |
| Tapas | Building strength, inner strength, resilience, through consisten efforts, discipline, willingness to move through challenges |
| Svadhyaya | Self-study, reflecting on yourself, willingness to look inward, awareness of patterns |
| Ishvarapranidhana | Dedication to the Highest, surrender to the divine, trusting in higher wisdom, letting go, "I only want what is meant for me", "I honor what seeks to express through me" |