Laws of yoga

In yoga, we have our own version of the 10 commandments. Generally referred to as yama and niyama. These are laws that you are supposed to take with you out into your daily life -- a yogic attitude to living.

Ashtanga Yoga means eight step or eight "limb" yoga. These are described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
The eight steps are divided into two parts - the first five are called external limbs, they are: Yama (suggestions for social behaviour: non-aggression, truthfulness, non-theft, appropriate sexual behaviour and non-greed), Niyama (suggestions for personal disciplines: self purification, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and surrender to the ideal of yoga), Asana (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Pratyahara (sense withdrawal).

I have written about Ahimsa many times on this blog. But I thought I would list the Yamas and Niyamas for you as food for thought :

Niyamas:

Sauca - Cleanliness. Not only a means of keeping our bodies clean and healthy, but a practice of keeping a clear mind.

Samtosa - Happiness and modesty. To be happy with what you have, instead of being unhappy over what you dont have.

Tapas - Keeping the body fit and healthy through healthful eating, exercise (asana) and kriyas.

Svadhyaya - Meditation and self awareness. This can be done through the repetition (japa) of mantra or the reading of the scriptures.

Isvarapranidhana - knowing that you have done your best and that you offer your actions to the Universe.

Yamas:

Ahimsa - Non violence. Do not kill. Do not do anyone any injury by action, word or thought. Do not show cruelty to any sentient being. Do not cause injury by your spoken word -- do not gossip, do not lie, do not insult.

Satya - Truthfulness

Asteya - Non stealing. It not only refers to stealing material things. It means do not steal somebody's time, do not steal somebody's trust, do not steal somebody's heart.

Brahmacharya - Sense control/ restraint. Most typically, this refers to sexual abstinence. However, it means do not lose your path -- act responsibly towards moving towards your Truth. Do not allow sensual attractions (e.g. over-indulging in eating, smoking, drinking, shopping) to distract you.

Aparigraha - Do not hoard. Do not take more than is necessary. Do not exploit others for your gain. Do not grasp onto money -- grasping blocks the natural flow of energy. Give away what you dont need or use. Clear out your closets.