Yama and Niyama- the ethical foundation for all paths of yoga

Hari Aum.

Yama and niyama are basic ethics needed for anyone who wants happiness, whether material or spiritual. These are based on the law of karma- you get what you give to others. The idea is to give good things to the world, so you receive good in return (rather than the opposite).

These form the basic foundation of all paths of yoga. Without these, the mind will not be purified and spiritual practice will not yield results.

A sadhaka who tries to practice yoga without yama and niyama is like a sieve trying to fill him/herself with water (tapas)- it will all leak out.

A sadhaka who is committed to practicing yama and niyama will gradually develop a pure and strong mind, capable of directly perceiving the Supreme Truth and attaining the spiritual goal of life. So say the Gurus and scriptures.

We may not be perfect in our practice of yama and niyama but we need to at least try our best if we want to experience spiritual Truth or God. The practice of the name or mantra of God will remove inner impurities and help us to walk the path of dharma (goodness) and practice the yamas and niyamas.

So what are the yama? The five well-known yama, outlined by the sage Patanjali, are as follows (these are mostly qualities of mind that need to be developed):

1. Ahimsa- Non-violence. This applies to thought, word and deed. 

2. Satya- Truthfulness, honesty. Sticking to the truth at all times, in thought, speech and action. 

3. Asteya- Non-stealing. Avoiding taking what is not one's own. 

4. Brahmacharya- Control of the senses. This includes celibacy or marital fidelity. 

5. Aparigraha- Non-possessiveness. Not being greedy.

There are said to be five more yama (in addition to those described above) described by rishi Sandaliya, which are as follows. These are linked with the five yama above (their opposite):

6. Kshama- Forgiveness

7. Dhriti- Patience

8. Daya- Compassion towards all beings

9. Arjava- Sincerity, straightforwardness (avoidance of cunningness, hypocrisy)

10. Mitihara- moderation in eating

What then are the niyama? These are qualities of mind as well as specific actions to be undertaken to progress on the spiritual path.

Patanjali describes five niyama, as follows:

1. Shaucha- cleanliness, purity - this applies to one's external and internal environment, to body and mind.

2. Santosha- contentment, acceptance of one's situation in life 

3. Tapas- Actions to control the senses and the mind (e.g. fasting, silence, mantra, meditation)

4. Svadhyaya- study of spiritual books, scriptures. Sivananda says svadhyaya also includes japa.

5. Ishvarapranidhana- self-surrender to God, which leads to liberation

There are 10 niyama describes by the sage Sandaliya, as follows:

1. Tapas - as above 

2. Saucha- as above

3. Aastikya- firm faith in God, Guru and the scriptures

4. Dana- charity, giving to others, sharing with others, without a sense of egoism/doer-ship

5. Ishwara pujana- worship of God with single-minded devotion

6. Siddhanta vakya shravana- listening to the scriptures and reflecting upon their meaning

7. Hri- the feeling of remorse when one acts unethically 

8. Mati- faith in the paths to God described in the Vedas

9. Japa- recitation of the mantra of God

10. Vrata- making and keeping spiritual resolutions and vows

To summarise the above yama and niyama in simple terms:

1. Do as you would be done by- treat others as you would like to be treated, i.e. with compassion, forgiveness, honesty, generosity and patience. Not with violence, falsehood, greed and hypocrisy.

2. Control the senses e.g. through occasional fasting, mauna (silence) and so on

3. Purify the mind- develop sattvic, good qualities/virtues through mantra japa, various forms of worship, undertaking vows, study of the scriptures

4. Purify the body and keep surroundings clean (as the saying goes, cleanliness is Godliness)

5. Have faith in God, Guru and the scriptures and surrender to the will of God in all things. Develop contentment as a result of this faith.

Here is a link to the description of yama and niyama by my Guru, Swami Sivananda:

http://sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=836&parent=686&format=html

These yama and niyama form the ethical basis of yoga and practising these is a lifelong commitment, until one attains the state of perfection known as Self/God-realisation. 

Sivananda says that mantra japa helps purify the mind. Practice of mantra along with conscious striving to practice yama and niyama is said to lead to a pure and strong mind, a fit instrument for the attainment of spiritual wisdom, peace and bliss.

Hari Aum Tat Sat