“Yama” literally means restraint, and the five yamas teach us to control impulses to gratify our own desires at the expense of others. The yamas form the foundation of an ethical life in which we place the highest priority on causing no harm to others. The yamas are known as the great universal vows that apply unconditionally to everyone in every situation, regardless of social status, time in history or particular culture.

    The five yamas, described below, require us not only to avoid harming others in thought, word or deed, but also to cultivate a positive attitude of love and compassion toward all beings, including ourselves.

    Ahimsa, or non-harming, demands that we mindfully observe our thoughts and intentions and recognize that the needs and wishes of others are as important as our own. To practice non-violence we must relinquish aggression and develop sensitivity toward others and ourselves.
   
    Satya is the quality of being honest in all situations, even if no one else will know. Truthfulness is more than the avoidance of lie – it is the cultivation of integrity and fairness.

     Asteya means not only to refrain from taking what belongs to others, but also to use only what we need. Giving credit where it is due and giving others a chance to speak are also ways of practicing non-stealing.
Brahmacharya may be translated as chastity or continence, but this does not mean that we need to abstain from sensual experience completely. Instead we can learn to be conscious about sexuality, avoiding mindless encounters that numb us or harm others. Moderation of desires helps us to be free from blindly following every craving of the senses.

    Aparigraha is the freedom from both greed and the desire to hoard. Acquiring less and giving away what we do not use are good practices. We also can avoid greed for status and accomplishment and learn to be happy with what we have.

    Practicing these virtues means that we have developed some sense of connection with others. We recognize that the wish of others to be happy and to avoid suffering is no different than our own. Widespread practice of these ethical guidelines forms the foundation for a truly moral society. Through yoga practice, the qualities of non-violence, truth, fairness, moderation and satisfaction flow from us as an expression of our spiritual nature.
While the yamas direct our behavior in relation to others, the five niyamas, explained below, are personal disciplines or observances.

    Saucha is cleanliness or purity. Cleanliness of body brings health and purity of spirit brings peace of mind. When we harbor no ill intentions and are free from schemes and hidden agendas, we feel at ease with ourselves and with others.

    Contentment or Santosa is the practice of being pleased and happy with life as it is. This is not complacency, but an active decision to be grateful for all we have.

    Tapas is intensity and effort in our inner development. It means that we have such a strong enthusiasm for spiritual life that we continue to practice in all circumstances. Contentment and zeal balance each other, so we cultivate both self-acceptance and the diligent quest to evolve.

    Self-study or Svadhyaya is the quality of reflection. We depend on reliable sources such as sacred texts or qualified teachers as well as direct experience to learn and contemplate goodness and truth.

    Finally, Ishvarapranidhana is surrender, devotion and humility. This means that we are not attached to the results of our efforts, but do what is right for its own sake. We do our best in the moment and then let go. Being unattached to future outcomes allows us to be free from both hope and fear and learn to live in the present.

    Practice of the yamas and niyamas is both the beginning and end of yoga practice. It is said that if we could truly practice non-harming, no other practice would be needed. For most of us, to be this selfless is an ongoing challenge. Fortunately, we have yoga postures and breathing and the firm foundation of the yamas and niyamas to guide us on the path of gradual, steady transformation.

Karen Allgire, MFA, RYT, is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor. She has been teaching dance and movement since 1983 and yoga since 1998. Karen is co-director of Green Tara Yoga & Healing Arts in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. You can reach her at info@greentarayoga.com or (216) 382-0592.