Yamas and Niyamas

Yamas and Niyamas
Definitions from T.K.V. Desikachar and Rod Stryker


Yamas are actions to control the self, to refrain from actions, words and thoughts which harm others and which are selfish.

Ahimsa – Kindness, compassion, and thoughtful consideration of yourself, other people and things.  Creatively implementing actions that cause the least damage in a situation.  As you live ahimsa, people are more and more comfortable in your presence.

Satya – Speaking the truth (without violating ahimsa).  As you live satya, you do not fail in your actions—what you say is what you do.

Asteya – To take nothing that does not belong to you.  To not take advantage of people who confide in you or entrust something to you.  As you live asteya, you will have access to everything that is precious in life.

Brahmacharya – To focus on moving toward the Highest Truth.  As you live brahmacharya, you do not expend your energies needlessly and you choose relationships that help you keep your direction.

Aparigraha – To take only what is necessary, not taking advantage of people who want to give you too much.  As you live aparigraha, you develop feelings of peace and lasting security.

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Niyamas: Positive virtues which are to be cultivated.

Shaucha – To keep yourself clean externally and internally (including clarity of mind and healthy functioning of your body).  As you live shaucha, you can distinguish between what is eternally pure and what needs to be maintained.

Santosha – To be modest and content with what you have.  As you live santosha, you are able to accept what happens and learn from it.

Tapas – To keep your body and mind fit by paying attention to what they need.  To apply discipline to give only what is needed.

Svadhyaya – To study oneself and the wisdom of others.

Ishvara pranidhana – To lay all your actions at the feet of God.  As you live ishvara pranidhana, you are content to know that you have done your best and to leave the outcome to a higher power.

Yamas and Niyamas in Food Practice

Which yamas and niyamas are shown in the following examples?




Which yamas and niyamas are lacking in the following situations: