The Yamas: Ethical Foundations Of Yoga

The Yoga Sutras, compiled by the sage Patanjali over 2,000 years ago, offer us a clear and direct explanation of life through the lens of Yoga. The Sutras are an ancient guidebook for a spiritual life and moving towards self-realization. Patanjali is considered the “father of yoga philosophy,” and his eightfold path (Ashtanga Yoga) provides a way to live our lives, in accordance with the principles of yoga. 

There are eight branches or limbs on this path. They are compared to the branches of a tree, with not one being more important than another, but all of them being part of the same path of Yoga. Most of us will have first experienced yoga through Asana or yoga postures. Asana is actually the third branch of the Ashtanga tree, and while considered important, it is not where we traditionally begin. 

Instead, we start with the Yamas. Patanjali recognizes that we are householders and are living in this world. We raise our children, work, go to school and participate in society. So he begins where we are, with the ethical foundations of how to live in this world. The Yamas are the first step on this path. How do we live in this world? Where do we start? The Yamas are the first step, guiding us to live ethically and to navigate the complexities of relationships, life, and all the challenges of modern living with both grace and integrity.

In this blog, we’ll explore the five Yamas in depth, learn how they’ve been interpreted over time, and discover how to practice them both in your yoga practice and daily life.

1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence)  

The first Yama or the place where it all begins is Ahimsa. The Sanskrit word Himsa means violence or harm. When an A is added to the beginning of a word it turns it negative or with the meaning of non, thus Ahimsa is translated to Non-Violence or Non-Harm. It is the first building block on which all other Yoga practices are built. Most of us can agree that we know that we should not physically harm someone else. However, if you are trying to do a pose that is not accessible to you yet or pushing your body to injury, this is not Ahimsa. You are causing harm. 

When we start to move a little deeper into this practice and think about our words and how we use them, it can be a place to pause and give some thought to. How do you speak to others? Is it kind? How do you speak to yourself? When you walk past that mirror, are the words you say to yourself kind or do they cause harm. Many of us speak to ourselves in a way we would never allow anyone to speak to us. This is a clear indication of forgetting to bring the very first Yama, Ahimsa, into practice.

As we move a little deeper still, we notice our thoughts. Our words and our actions stem from our thoughts. When you start to examine your thoughts with a view of Ahimsa, things start to get interesting! Are your thoughts harmful, towards others or yourself?

• In practice:  

  On the mat, Ahimsa may look like using a block or taking a variation of the full pose. It may look like gently silencing the inner critic when you find yourself comparing your pose to the person beside you. It’s about meeting yourself where you are, knowing that it is more than enough.     

• Off the mat:  

Take Ahimsa in your daily interactions by practicing empathy, speaking kindly, and extending compassion toward people, animals, and the environment. Being curious about where your food comes from, as well as the people who grow it, is just one way to take this practice into your community.

Reflection prompt:  

What is one way you can practice non-violence in your thoughts or actions today?  

 

2. Satya (Honesty or Truthfulness)  

Satya, or truthfulness, asks us to get really clear on Truth. It’s not just about avoiding the lies but also about being honest with ourselves. Just like Ahimsa, we bring it back to our bodies, our words and our thoughts. If we are being honest in our bodies, we know that we may no longer be able to do the poses the way we did them in our twenties. At least, not without causing harm. Honesty or being truthful with our words is being impeccable with the way we use our words. For example, we don’t take credit for someone else’s work, instead acknowledging who we were inspired by. Honesty in our thoughts can happen when we walk by a mirror and start to get judgemental, instead we pause and get curious. Are my thoughts really honest right now?

• In practice:  

  On the mat, Satya invites you to honor your limits. Maybe today’s truth is that your body needs rest, or that your alignment in a pose could benefit from a prop. Or even the honesty to realize that this is not the pose for you today.

• Off the mat: 

  Truthfulness in daily life means having the courage to be yourself, even when it feels vulnerable. It also means speaking with integrity and recognizing when your actions align—or misalign—with what you understand Satya to mean..  

• Reflection prompt:  

Where in your life are you holding back your truth, and how can you express it with Ahimsa? 

3. Asteya (Non-Stealing)  

Asteya, or non-stealing, extends beyond taking things that do not belong to you. It includes the subtle ways we “steal” without even thinking about it. If you are late, it is taking someone's time. If you offer something as your idea, it is a form of stealing. Other ways we can notice the practice of Asteya is when we take others' energy, or attention without permission. One way it has been described is “taking what is not freely given”. 

• In practice:  

  On the mat, Asteya can manifest as resisting the urge to compare your journey with others’. Celebrate your progress and trust that yoga is a deeply personal path.  

• Off the mat:  

  Notice the places in your life where you may be taking things without permission. Time is always a challenging one to work with. Viewing it through the yogic lens of being late for an appointment and stealing time from someone, can be an eye-opening shift in perception.

• Reflection prompt:  

What are the situations in your life that you are taking things that are not freely given?  

4. Brahmacharya (Moderation)  

Traditionally associated with celibacy, modern interpretations focus on moderation and a mindful use of your energy. A wise use of your energy in all parts of your life. Again the practice reflects into your body, how you speak and your thoughts. 

• In practice:  

  On the mat, this could mean pacing yourself during a challenging flow or balancing effort and ease in poses and in transitions. Using your effort wisely throughout the practice can look like putting as much energy into a challenging pose as you do when you sit in meditation.

• Off the mat:  

  Examine the areas of excess in your life—whether it’s screen time, unhealthy habits, or overcommitting to tasks. Create space for the things that nourish your spirit as well as your body. Put down your incessant to-do list and draw some of this energy to quality time with loved ones or quiet moments in nature.  

• Reflection prompt: 

What is one habit or activity you can moderate to create more balance in your life?  

5. Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness)  

Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, teaches us to let go of attachment and trust the flow of life. It encourages simplicity and gratitude, helping us to release the fear of scarcity.  It is often translated to non-grasping and asks us to practice letting go. 

• In practice:  

  On the mat, Aparigraha might mean releasing the need to “get” a pose or focusing on the journey rather than the outcome. As well, for those of you who have been practicing for a while, you may have noticed that either through injury or age, some of the poses are no longer “yours” and you have had to remove them from your practice. It can be a bittersweet part of the practice and also a perfect time to practice Aparigraha. 

• Off the mat:  

  Simplify your life by decluttering your home, mind, or schedule. Practice gratitude for what you already have instead of falling into the trap of “more”. What you are seeking for happiness, isn't out there.  

• Reflection prompt: 

What are you holding onto that no longer serves you, and how can you let it go?  

 

Living the Yamas: A Journey of Mindful Integration

The Yamas are not meant to be rigid rules, but guidelines to live with more awareness and compassion. A roadmap of sorts, if you will. Here are some ways to deepen your relationship with these principles:  

1. Daily reflections: Spend a few minutes each evening journaling about how you practiced (or struggled with) a specific Yama that day.  

2. Themed yoga practice: Dedicate a yoga class to exploring one Yama at a time. For example, during a practice focused on Ahimsa, choose to practice each pose with the focus of Ahimsa and notice the choices you make.  

3. Mindful conversations: Pay attention to how you communicate with others. Are your words truthful, kind, and necessary?  

4. Community action: Extend the Yamas into the world by volunteering, supporting sustainable practices, or fostering inclusivity in your community.  

Why the Yamas Matter 

The Yamas remind us that yoga is not just a physical practice—it’s a way of living your life. By trying to embody these principles, we cultivate a sense of direction and purpose, creating ripples of positive change within and around us.  

As you explore the Yamas, remember that this journey is lifelong. Be patient, gentle, and curious as you integrate these teachings into your life. With time, you’ll find that they not only transform your yoga practice but also your relationships, mindset, and your sense of connection to the world around you.