The Yamas and Niyamas are foundational pillars of yoga philosophy, guiding our ethical conduct and personal discipline. Yoga goes far beyond physical postures practiced on the mat; it is a lifestyle that permeates all aspects of our existence, offering guidelines to live consciously, harmoniously, and with balance toward others and ourselves.
The Yamas are moral principles that shape our interactions with others and the world. They offer a set of values that help us live with integrity and, when applied, lead to a more balanced and compassionate life. The five Yamas are:
Ahimsa (Non-violence)
Ahimsa is the practice of not causing harm, either to ourselves or others, through our actions and words. It means treating both others and ourselves with kindness and respect.
Satya (Truthfulness)
Satya represents the practice of truth. To be truthful is to live authentically and align with our deepest values. Truth must be expressed in a way that does not cause harm or suffering.
Asteya (Non-stealing)
Asteya encourages us to value authenticity and avoid unjustly taking what doesn’t belong to us, fostering honesty, respect, fairness, and integrity in our actions and relationships.
Brahmacharya (Self-control)
This Yama teaches us to channel our energy consciously, especially in areas like sexuality. By controlling our impulses, we learn to use this energy for spiritual growth.
Aparigraha (Non-attachment)
Releasing attachment allows us to live with greater lightness, freedom, balance, serenity, and authenticity, enjoying the present without fearing the loss of what we have.
The Niyamas are practices for self-development and inner discipline. These five precepts help cultivate inner peace and purify the mind and body, forming a solid foundation for personal and spiritual growth:
Saucha (Purity)
Saucha refers to purity, both physical and mental. A clean environment and a clear mind create space for well-being, tranquility, harmony, balance, and inner peace.
Santosha (Contentment)
This inner contentment does not depend on external circumstances but rather on an attitude of gratitude and acceptance of life as it is, fostering satisfaction, serenity, fullness, and self-sufficiency.
Tapas (Self-discipline)
Tapas is the inner fire that motivates us to overcome obstacles and transform negative habits into positive ones, guiding us toward growth and evolution.
Svadhyaya (Self-study)
This principle encourages self-reflection and understanding of who we are, examining our thoughts, actions, and behavioral patterns. Self-study helps us become aware of our blocks and limitations.
Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a Higher Power)
Ishvara Pranidhana involves surrendering to something greater than ourselves. It is also the recognition that we do not control everything, and by accepting this, we can live with more serenity and detachment.
By integrating these principles into our daily lives, we create balance on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. In our yoga classes on São Miguel Island, we have the opportunity to explore and deepen these values through practice, reinforcing the understanding and application of these teachings. With consistency, these principles become a compass for our behavior and choices, helping us live with greater clarity and purpose.
