How yoga philosophy can help us live better lives

In the vibrant tapestry of yoga philosophy, the concepts of yamas and niyamas play a pivotal role. They’re derived from the ancient wisdom from one of the most famous texts 'The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'.

This ancient text was written by the great sage Patanjali, who laid out a kind of map to help you chart your course to contentment, enhanced emotional and mental wellbeing and a more fulfilling and meaningful life. He suggests not just meditation and asana but also attitudes and behaviours to aid your transformation.

Patanjali outlined an 8-limbed path for purifying the body and mind. This is called the 8 limbs of yoga, with the ultimate goal being to help practitioners cultivate a steady mind, leading to everlasting contentment.

The yamas and niyamas serve as ethical guidelines that help us to navigate through life with integrity, compassion and mindfulness. The yamas and niyamas are the first 2 stops on this map, and are there to help guide us to avoid behaviours that can produce suffering and difficulty, and helping to guide us towards the behaviours that lead to states of happiness. 

The yamas guide our relationship with the world around us, while the niyamas direct our focus inward, encouraging self-observation and self-discipline. Exploring these principles and integrating them into our daily lives on and off the mat can lead to profound growth and transformation, through leading us towards a path of self discovery and personal growth.

I have been studying this text for the last 5 years with a wonderful teacher Penelope who has shed so much light on this beautiful and ancient text and also with the wonderful students who have formed part of this study group. I felt that I would like to share just a little bit about this text with you to honour the origins of this beautiful practice of yoga.

They are beautiful reflective tools that allow us to deepen our self awareness. In my Sunday morning yoga classes we have been gently delving into discussion on how we can practise the yamas and niyamas both on and off the mat.

I can assure you that the benefits of practising the yamas and niyamas are deep and long lasting. View them as ways and invitations to promote inner and outer peace. 

The yamas

The yamas, often referred to as the moral restraints, are a set of ethical principles that guide our interactions with the external world.

Let's briefly explore each of the 5 yamas and see how they can be integrated into our lives.

Cultivating compassion with ahimsa, the first jewel

At the heart of the yamas, we find ahimsa, the principle of non harming. Embracing ahimsa means cultivating compassion towards all living beings, including ourselves.

When we learn to love and accept ourselves for who we truly are, we can extend that same love to others, thereby embodying the essence of ahimsa.

This principle reminds us to choose thoughts, words, and actions that promote peace and harmony, both within and outside of ourselves.

Discovering truth with satya

Satya, the principle of truthfulness and honesty, teaches us to speak and live in alignment with our authentic selves. Before uttering words, we can reflect on their truth, kindness, necessity, and ability to improve upon silence.

Satya encourages us to embrace our unique identity and refrain from trying to be someone else. Aligning with the truth allows us to foster meaningful connections and cultivate genuine interactions based on integrity and trust.

Honouring boundaries with asteya

Asteya guides us to respect the boundaries and possessions of others, recognising the importance of non-stealing. This principle encompasses more than physical theft; it extends to the realm of emotional and energetic theft as well.

By refraining from coveting, taking advantage of others, or appropriating their accomplishments, we foster an environment of trust and support.

Honouring boundaries promotes healthy relationships and fosters a sense of community based on empathy, compassion, and fairness.

Embracing moderation with brahmacharya

In a world often consumed by materialism and excess, the principle of brahmacharya guides us towards moderation.

By finding balance and avoiding overindulgence in sensory pleasures, we free ourselves from external attachments that may hinder our spiritual growth.

Redirecting our focus inward, we nourish our souls and deepen our connection to the divine.

Letting go with aparigraha

Aparigraha reminds us of the impermanence of life and the necessity of letting go. By releasing attachment to material possessions, desires, and outdated beliefs, we create space for growth and transformation.

Cultivating a mindset of non-grasping and non-attachment enables us to flow with the natural rhythm of life, embracing change with grace and openness.

Change is inevitable - winter becomes spring, day becomes night as young becomes old - this is the way of nature. Our resistance to change prevents us from growing and living life in a dynamic and enjoyable way. Think about some of the things you cling to? 

The niyamas

While the yamas focus on our external conduct, the niyamas direct our attention inward, promoting personal observances and self-discipline.

Let's explore the 5 niyamas and discover how to incorporate them into our lives.

The path to purity with saucha

Saucha, or cleanliness, invites us to consider the purity of our body, mind, and environment. It encourages us to be mindful of what we consume physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Nurturing ourselves with clean, nourishing foods, engaging in uplifting activities, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences contribute to our overall wellbeing.

By maintaining a clean and uncluttered physical space, we create an environment that supports our journey towards inner clarity.

The art of contentment with santosha

Santosha invites us to find contentment and satisfaction in the present moment, appreciating what we have rather than longing for what we lack. By shifting our focus from what is missing to what is abundantly available, we cultivate gratitude and foster a sense of fulfilment.

Contentment resides in simple pleasures, nature's beauty, meaningful relationships, and being fully present in each experience. Embracing santosha frees us from the never-ending pursuit of external sources of happiness, allowing us to discover the richness within.

How do you feel contentment in life? Maybe through walking in nature, resting in the sun, petting your dog or cat or hugging someone you love? Maybe eating a good meal, being in a like minded community, living in the moment. How does santosha reveal itself to you in your  life?

Finding the fire within with tapas

Tapas, meaning discipline, reminds us to devote ourselves to the practice of the yamas and niyamas, as well as physical asana, pranayama, and meditation. It calls us to cultivate inner strength, resilience, and determination.

Through tapas, we prioritise self-care, exercise, and nourishing our bodies with wholesome food. By persisting with loving and truthful actions, even when it feels challenging, we embark on a transformational journey towards our true selves.

Tapas invites us to pay attention, it is the internal fire that helps us to stay on the path. How does tapas reveal itself to you?

Unveiling the self with svadhyaya

Svadhyaya, self-study, invites us to explore our true identity beyond superficial roles and labels. Through introspection and self-reflection, we unravel our authentic selves and discover the unchanging consciousness at our core.

Beyond identifications with accomplishments or failures, we connect with the observer of our experiences. Svadhyaya allows us to cultivate self-awareness and nurture our personal growth. Make some time for reflection as part of your daily practice. How does svadhyaya reveal itself to you in your life? 

Surrendering to the divine with ishvara pranidhana

Ishvara pranidhana invites us to surrender and to have faith in something greater than ourselves. It encourages us to trust in the divine intelligence that guides, protects, and informs us. It encourages humility, devotion and accepting that there are forces beyond our control.

It invites us to surrender to love and to the divinity in ourselves and in all beings. It teaches that through the process of surrender beyond the limits of our ego, there is a higher state of consciousness that guides, informs and protects us.

It invites us to let go of our attachment to the mind as our soul authority and to open to spirit as our guide. How does ishvara pranidhana reveal itself in your life?