Dipping a toe into Yama and Niyama
From April 2021 to June 2021 we explored the Yamas and Niyamas. These concepts come from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras which were compiled around 500 BCE. The Sutras are the seeds of knowledge that were passed from master to student over centuries before being logged in one place. The Sutras give us the back bone of Yoga in an 8 'limb' model we know as Ashtanga. This is not to be confused with the hybrid Ashtanga which is an aerobic form of practise: (ashta)-limb (anga) practice (https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/definition-of-ashtanga/ accessed 22/6/21).
There are many interpretations and commentaries on the Sutras. I have been influenced during my planning by Devi and Jennie Lee (see below for references); below are my interpretations.
The first of the 8 limbs are the Yamas, which represent 'right living' or ethical guidelines. 'They encourage us to live in peace with ourselves and one another' Devi.
Our first Yama is Ahimsa which will be familiar to many of you as we visit this concept regularly. It is the concept of non-harming and we explored it as self respect and self care. I particularly like this passage from True Yoga by Jenny Lee:
'As we embrace forgiveness and choose peacefulness with all beings, we are rewarded with unshakeable inner tranquility and freedom. Our lives move into alignment and our inner light beams brightly. Harmony reigns in our body, mind and spirit as imperturbable happiness. Eventually all conflict and hostility around us disappear naturally and the world is one step closer to peace.'
The second Yama is Satya - truth and integrity. One of my favourite translations of this Sutra comes from Devi:
'Dedicated to truth and integrity (Satya), our thoughts, words and actions gain the power to manifest'.
We mustn't forget these wise words from Swami Vivekananda (appearing in Devi):
'If in doubt whether to observe Ahimsa or Satya, always go with Ahimsa.'
Speak your truth kindly and appropriately, but be true to yourselves :)
The third Yama is the concept of Asteya - "Abiding in generosity and honesty, material and spiritual prosperity is bestowed." Devi
In the simplest terms Asteya informs us not to steal, however it is so much richer than this. Some examples we considered were:
Be kind to yourself today to honour, and not steal from, yourself tomorrow;
Being at one with the universe we are enough and have all that we need;
In giving we receive;
Acknowledge every breath as a gift.
How can you take this into the rest of your week?
Next is Brahmacharya, "Devoted to living a balanced and moderate life, the scope of one's life force becomes boundless." Devi
We explored being at rhythm with nature - 'day and night, summer and winter, growing and resting' (Jennie Lee). We need to live in balance. In times of depletion, rest; in times of energy burst, enjoy. Finding the balance between time with loved ones, time alone; time at work, time at play, time at rest; partaking in activities that restore such as walking in nature, reading, creativity.
In our Yoga practice, practising with moderation. Never going to the edge. Yoga should fit our physical and mental state in the present moment. Remember that there is just one posture - Sthira Sukham, steady and comfortable. Asana, the physical practice, was originally a sitting position for meditation, perhaps involving some flexing and strengthening to facilitate that. With that in mind, look at how balance and moderation can be brought into your daily life, note if this invites a lifting in Prana (life force energy).
Lastly there is Aparigraha - 'Acknowledging abundance, we recognise the blessings in everything and gain insights into the purpose for our worldly existence' Devi.
To me this means living with the glass half full and the jug still pouring, however difficult this may be at times. Each moment brings us something to be grateful for - the breath, the sun and the rain (we need both for balance), friends & family. Focussing on these qualities and the abundance the earth gives us, rather than the modern materialistic interpretation of happiness is the essence of this Sutra - considering how long ago these pearls of wisdom were written down, it's quite astonishing how relevant they are today. Look into your heart centre and find the joy within, the peace and give them permission to grow. 'By choosing to acknowledge abundance and blessings, even when things are not exactly as we would like them to be, an amazing thing happens. We open ourselves to the gracious flow of Universal energy.' Jennie Lee
Next, Niyamas, concepts that are within us that we can contemplate to experience greater happiness in life.
Firstly Saucha, which translates as cleanliness or purity. There are two Sutras connected to Saucha and I like these translations from Devi:
"ii.40 - Through simplicity and continual refinement the body, thoughts and emotions become clear reflections of the Self within.
ii.41 - Saucha reveals our joyful nature, and the yearning for knowing the Self blossoms."
This Sutra encourages a simplicity in life, moving away from the materialistic attitude towards finding contentment with what we have.
It also implies that we should have purity within. This can include drinking more water, having a detox, incorporating practices such as Neti (nasal washing) and Kapalbhati (cleansing breath). In some of the classes we talked a little about Neti and if you'd like to know more have a look at this link or get in touch https://bahiayoga.com/jala-neti-yoga-cleansing/. Neti pots are widely available.
To encourage Saucha into our lives, perhaps make a list of simple pleasures that cost little or nothing and make a point of enjoying one each week.
Secondly is the Niyama of Santosha. Santosha is the concept of contentment. Devi's translation is as follows:
'When at peace and content with oneself and others, supreme joy is celebrated.'
Santosha encourages a sense of peaceful acceptance, appreciating what we have rather than forever striving to be, or to have, something other. This can present challenges when faced with difficulties. How easy is it to remain peaceful at the heart centre when challenges are presenting themselves?
To cultivate a safe place of peace, calm and contentment in times of difficulty, it is helpful to have in mind somewhere where you once felt complete contentment and to visit this place often in your heart. The more it becomes a habit to come to the breath and the heart centre, the more readily available they are in times of need. This need not be a real place, it could be imaginary. It could be a hobby, a pet, a person, a memory, a fictional place (for avid readers) ... the list is endless. If somewhere doesn't come to mind immediately, give it time. You may find repeating a mantra more accessible, in which case how about 'I am peaceful and content'? Repeating this with the focus on the breath in the heart centre can be very powerful when practised often.
The third is the Niyama of Tapas.
Tapas - in this case not those delicious morsels of Spanish goodies. In the Indian philosophy of the Yoga Sutras, Tapas translates as 'right action'. There are many translations and commentaries on the Sutras, and I have gone to Devi for hers:
"Living life with zeal and sincerity, the purifying flame is ignited, revealing the inner light". So where do 'right action' and 'purifying flame' meet. The Bhagavad Gita describes Tapas as 'kindling the purifying flame through refining the actions of our bodies, minds and speech' (also Devi).
Tapas of the body: through movement and especially Yoga, we purify our bodies, the fluid content of the fascia is replaced and the synovial fluid in the joints is also replaced, the stale fluid taken away by the lymphatic system. The fire of our digestive system is ignited and fuelled by the bellows of the diaphragm to burn and assimilate all that we take in - food, experiences, breath and so on. Another thought on Tapas of the body is its use in helping others, be that family, friends, the community and ourselves.
Tapas of speech: using the breath to balance our speech, taking a breath before speaking, ensuring our words are truthful yet pleasant and thoughtful, to others and especially ourselves. Remembering to breathe in and out through the nostrils, purifying the incoming breath, letting go of stale air on the exhale. Keeping the mouth softly closed and perhaps listening rather than speaking, to ourselves and others.
Tapas of the mind: being with the breath is our first step to a tranquil, peaceful, quiet mind. The most powerful meditations are those that are with the breath. It is accessible to us at all times, until the last. It's the first and last thing we do, breathe. Our other tool which is so useful during our asana (physical) practice is the use of drishti. Drishti is a point we look at without seeing, without getting caught up in the story, as a focus for the mind. It is useful as a grounding point, especially if we find ourselves getting a little jittery or manic, and in asana practice it is valuable as a balancing tool.
I encourage you to hold a candle flame in your heart centre or eyebrow centre, and to follow this flame to find the right action, the balanced path, to lead to a state of happiness and joy. The balance between work and play, activity and rest, socialising and quiet. I encourage you to be with your candle flame and the breath, and see where they lead you.
The penultimate Niyama, Swadhaya. Swadhaya means self study or self reflection. Jennie Lee translates the whole Sutra as Self-reflection: discovering your true nature. The original translations encourage the reading of sacred texts to guide us to the divine self. My take on this quite deep and potentially controversial topic is to be with the heart centre. In some Yoga philosophy this is said to be the seat of our Soul, our true self. We can help this journey along with meditation, spending time alone and in nature. Diary keeping or journalling and the study of philosophical literacy can be illuminating. Crafts and creativity can also facilitate this sense of our true self. If we can meet our beliefs, past experiences and behaviour, our choices with a degree of humour and a healthy dollop of acceptance then perhaps this journey deep into the heart need not be scary or daunting.
The last Niyama is Iswara Pranidhana. Devotion, surrendering to love (Lee). Of the many translations and commentaries this one speaks most to me. Love with a capital 'L' is ultimately all there is if we immerse ourselves in it. Love has many names - Iswara, Divine Consciousness, Oneness, the Soul/Self, Spirit, God. To me it's the connection we have with our planet Earth, all other animal and plant life, the flora and fauna, our part in the Solar system, the Universe. Being at one with the Earth, the idea of all life breathing in unison, hearts beating, giving and receiving - is that what it's all about? This is a very personal subject, therefore in class we worked with the heart centre, and I encourage you to continue. Some of you may already have explored this concept already in your lives and have your own spiritual path. These words from Jennie Lee may help to lead us all to a place of fulfillment 'In silence, I find my way to my heart'.
Our reading was William Blake, the first 4 lines of 'Auguries of Innocence':
"To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour."
References:
The Secret Power of Yoga, Nischala Joy Devi, Three Rivers Press, 2007
True Yoga, Jennie Lee, Fourth Printing, 2019