Yamas & Niyamas are derived from Raja yoga (by the sage Patanjali). They are comprised of social & personal guidelines which instil a sense of peace and clarity into one's life and avoid mental disturbance and confusion. It is useful practice to choose one of these to focus on for the day.
Yamas - Guidelines for harmoniously interaction with our external environment
Ahimsa - non violence
Being positive in our actions, thoughts, words towards ourselves & others. Being kind towards ourselves and others.
Satya - truth
Living and expression our true nature. Saying what we really mean, acting in a way that is true to our Self. Even thoughts are tinged with doubt stemming from insecurities and past experience and can change the way we think, act, feel and speak, creating negative patterns. Try to first notice a behavioural pattern and then it will gradually loose it's power as you identify it and attempt to turn it into a truthful expression of your Self.
Asteya - honesty
This is about being truthful and accepting of where we are at without trying to represent our Self as something we are not and in the process causing harm to our Self and others. Being truthful including not mis-leading.
Brahmacharya - restraint
Moderation of sensual desires including foods, drink, intimate relations whilst practicing the other yamas so as not to cause any harm to the self or others as they are all inter-related. So using the higher mind and awareness so we are in control of our actions/decisions instead of being led by our cravings.
Aparigraha - not wanting what others have
Only taking what is needed and not longing for more. Not being greedy, jealous and envious and attached to material objects and our perception of who we/others are etc. If we give up wanting what other people have we become so much freer and independent of them, not relying on them for our happiness. It is good to care for what we have and look after it but not with attachment.
Yamas - Guidelines for harmoniously interaction with our external environment
Ahimsa - non violence
Being positive in our actions, thoughts, words towards ourselves & others. Being kind towards ourselves and others.
Satya - truth
Living and expression our true nature. Saying what we really mean, acting in a way that is true to our Self. Even thoughts are tinged with doubt stemming from insecurities and past experience and can change the way we think, act, feel and speak, creating negative patterns. Try to first notice a behavioural pattern and then it will gradually loose it's power as you identify it and attempt to turn it into a truthful expression of your Self.
Asteya - honesty
This is about being truthful and accepting of where we are at without trying to represent our Self as something we are not and in the process causing harm to our Self and others. Being truthful including not mis-leading.
Brahmacharya - restraint
Moderation of sensual desires including foods, drink, intimate relations whilst practicing the other yamas so as not to cause any harm to the self or others as they are all inter-related. So using the higher mind and awareness so we are in control of our actions/decisions instead of being led by our cravings.
Aparigraha - not wanting what others have
Only taking what is needed and not longing for more. Not being greedy, jealous and envious and attached to material objects and our perception of who we/others are etc. If we give up wanting what other people have we become so much freer and independent of them, not relying on them for our happiness. It is good to care for what we have and look after it but not with attachment.