Yama and Niyama - laying the foundation ...

The foundation of yogic living begins with the Yamas and Niyamas; how do you build anything substantial without a solid foundation?

When I think of the Yamas and the Niyamas, I think of no-nonsense, guidelines for positive living. I know that the Yamas are the tools I have for all social interactions. Regardless of the lifestyle/philosophies of those around me, I know that I have a five-piece set of standards to which I choose to adhere. The Niyamas guide toward positive, self-care and self-development. Additionally, maintaining a discipline of caring for one's self is crucial if we want to be able to care for others. These first two steps of the eight-limbed path can be enlightening as well as empowering and enable us to experience our potential as human beings.  

How?

Yamas - Restraints or values one holds for interacting with the world. If we live this way, we are living with respect for all those around us - all - not just some, not just those we like or know or want to know. Not just humans, but for animals and for the Earth as well. Most would agree that we shouldn't propagate the killing or harming of other humans, but to me it is pretty clear that, according to the Yama, Ahimsa, nonviolence includes our interactions with animals and the environment - there is no distinction. I feel that all of the Yamas are meant for us to be mindful of our behavior in all situations.

         Ahimsa (nonviolence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non stealing), Bramacharya (conservation of vital
         energy), Aparigraha (non greed)

The Niyamas assist us in caring for ourselves, notice it is second to caring for others. I do not subscribe to the idea that the Eight-limbed Path is approached as a ladder, climb one rung, then the next, and so on; however, I do feel that when there is a written text, the order of a list of items has significance and should be noticed. The eight limbs and all residual parts can be utilized in a circular fashion, one into the other and all or some at once. This is an organic, moving, developing process that cannot be checked off like a "To Do" list: "Yes, I have accomplished nonviolence, I never have to do that again." The beauty of the Yoga Sutras is that we live them, grow with them, and make them part of who we are; this is how character and integrity develop.

        Niyamas: Saucha (purity), Samtosha (contentment), Tapas (perseverance), Svadhyaya (self-study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrender to the universe).

When we understand that the Yamas and Niyamas offer us opportunities to grow and interact and care for ourselves and others through mindful living, we open ourselves to a more gentle, joyful, love-filled way of living. Without question, this is a foundation upon which all good things can grow and develop.

Namaste