The Yamas are the first of Patañjali’s eight limbs of yoga. They concern how we relate to the world and to others. They aren’t imposed rules, but attitudes that, when cultivated, make life lighter and open us to inner practice.
The five Yamas
- Ahimsa, non-violence: the foundation of everything. Not harming through actions, words or thoughts, starting with ourselves. In asana practice it means not forcing.
- Satya, truthfulness: being honest with others and with ourselves. Truth always in the service of Ahimsa: saying things with care.
- Asteya, non-stealing: not taking what isn’t ours, including others’ time, energy or credit. It becomes generosity.
- Brahmacharya, moderation: using energy consciously, without excess. Knowing when enough is enough.
- Aparigraha, non-grasping: letting go of attachment to things, people and outcomes.
Working with them
In Omshanti’s teacher training we devote each month to one Yama or Niyama, with small actions and games to integrate it between retreats. You can do the same: choose one, write it somewhere visible and notice for a month where it’s hard and where it comes naturally. Yoga philosophy comes alive when we practise it.
