The Importance Of Yama In Yoga Today

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP

What is the importance of yama in Yoga today? Yoga is a lifestyle, which can enrich a practitioner’s life far beyond the physical practice time spent in classes. Yoga promotes a peaceful co-existence with everything. This Yogic mindset creates a setting of living in harmony, in order to get better along with one’s self, as well as with others.  Within the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, yama is a vital part of a complete life. The yamas teach us principles and values, which lay the foundations of social behavior. These guidelines of social behavior are the first limb of Patanjali’s Raja Yoga. The yamas are a reference for living a lifestyle that is in complete harmony with the world around us.

 

The philosophy of Raja Yoga is timeless. The same can be said for any component of Patalanji’s Yoga Sutras. It is believed that Patanjali compiled the yamas from Lord Mahavir’s, “Five Great Vows.”  The five great vows, or yamas, are, in fact, universal morals, which are presently honored by religions and governments around the world.

Ahimsa

The first yama is known as “Ahimsa,” which includes non-violence in thoughts, words, and action and is often compared to the commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.” There is a striking similarity, but ahimsa is compassion for all beings.  Levels of compassion could be practiced in many ways, but Yoga practitioners should realize that honoring one’s self, in a physical practice, would be to avoid forcing. When we consider ahimsa off the mat, this is a lifestyle built on being a good living example of Yoga.

Satya

The second yama is known as “Satya.” Sataya is honesty towards others and, moreover, to one’s self. Living a life of deception can be very complex. Just ask anyone who has been exposed publicly about the burden of guilt. Although it may not be easy, honesty is the simplest choice to make.

 

Asteya

The third yama is known as “Asteya.” Many people compare it to the commandment, “Thou shalt not steal.” Centuries pass and there are new ways to take from others, while justifying it. Regardless of time, place, religion or philosophy, to take anything, which is not freely given, is a form of theft.

Brahmacharya

The fourth yama is known as “Brahmacharya,” which asks for moderation in all things, is highly controversial. Some Yoga schools treat this Yama as an extreme asceticism and renunciation of all worldly pleasures. It is probable that Lord Mahavir meant for this yama to be interpreted in that way. After all, he did give up all worldly pleasures.

However, Yoga itself is a lifestyle that evolves toward the middle of the road. It is natural for people to be attracted to each other, but we must always look toward the middle path and feel in our hearts what is right.  Doing the right thing may not always be what others would do. We live at a time, when putting forth a commitment, may be seen as old fashioned. Yet, making a commitment is the first step toward attaining an objective.

 

Aparigraha

The last, and fifth yama, is called “Aparigraha.” There are some hot discussions in regard to this yama. Some Yoga teachers do not agree with this Yama, as it opposes owning properties. However, more cosmopolitan individuals are Yoga teachers with families.  The unnecessary accumulation of richness, and the excessive loyalty toward possessions, is self-destructive. There is cause for concern that possessions may distract modern Yoga practitioners from finding the deeper aspects, which occur within their inner nature and being.  This grasping for material wealth could hold the global progress of Yoga to a standstill. Yet, Yoga practitioners are usually givers and innovators. Yoga is at the forefront of the Green Movement.   Modern Yogic philosophy has evolved on a worldwide scale toward actions of social responsibility, rather than excessive accumulation and waste.

Yama Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

What is the importance of yama today?  Maharishi Patanjali must have put much thought into which limb he would name first.  The importance of Yama is primary and eternal.  Thus, the yamas are timeless guidelines for the past, present, and future. The yamas are honored in our laws, religions, and philosophies. Each of us has the power to interpret guidelines in a variety of ways, but we know in our hearts what is right and what is wrong. The importance of yama is timeless.

© Copyright Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

 

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