Yama-Niyama - Ethics in Yoga
The yogic term 'Yama' implies a certain element of elimination of negatives - from both the physical body and the psychological nature.
Regarding the physical side it is seen as attention to physical hygiene and eradication of any disease symptoms.
Relaxation practice is a certain aid in relieving many health problems particularly where the muscular and nervous systems are involved.
Mental hygiene is also seen to begin with relaxation.
It is seen as a priority, to eliminate fears and anxieties, as stress has long been held as the state that steals our youth and undermines well being.
We all accumulate tensions and problems.
These are bound to build up by the end of a period of time of say a month or a year, particularly if we are not in the habit of practicing relaxation or meditation.
Tensions can distort our natural good nature and prevent our enjoyment of life.
Yoga essentially is a practice of self discipline and independence but many of us need occasional counsel of others where we are assured of confidentiality.
This assistance provides welcome relief from many psychological strains and problems.
Yama incorporates the philosophy of restraint, encouraging us to eliminate bad habits, wrong doing, and to resist negative or impulsive behaviour of any kind.
It represents our conscience.
In regard to our work it is considered unethical to apply our energies in any way that will harm other living creatures.
"Niyama' is the positive aspect of the moral/ethical practices.
In contrast with the above, we are reminded that all things are honestly acquired only through self effort and personal application of our free will.
It refers to the effort we must make to build our health by following the natural laws that we all know well in right diet, exercise, rest, and so on.
Emotionally it applies to disciplining our emotions.
Having used any restraint that is necessary by attention to Yama, we have to create positive emotional states, moods and feeling responses to life and to people by the practice of contentment, cheerfulness and certain calmness in our emotional character so as to allow rational and balanced determinations and choices.
In regard to our personality we develop the classical traits and virtues such as truthfulness, honesty, loving kindness, compassion, stability and any qualities we personally wish to be able to express in our behaviour and our thoughts.
We work to create and find self confidence in our own positive self-image.
We are encouraged to work in spheres of natural interest if possible so that we can enjoy the application of our natural skills and seek opportunity to make a positive contribution in the sphere of our choice.
The principle of the Yamas/Niyamas gives us the fundamental tool for successful self discipline.
Regarding the physical side it is seen as attention to physical hygiene and eradication of any disease symptoms.
Relaxation practice is a certain aid in relieving many health problems particularly where the muscular and nervous systems are involved.
Mental hygiene is also seen to begin with relaxation.
It is seen as a priority, to eliminate fears and anxieties, as stress has long been held as the state that steals our youth and undermines well being.
We all accumulate tensions and problems.
These are bound to build up by the end of a period of time of say a month or a year, particularly if we are not in the habit of practicing relaxation or meditation.
Tensions can distort our natural good nature and prevent our enjoyment of life.
Yoga essentially is a practice of self discipline and independence but many of us need occasional counsel of others where we are assured of confidentiality.
This assistance provides welcome relief from many psychological strains and problems.
Yama incorporates the philosophy of restraint, encouraging us to eliminate bad habits, wrong doing, and to resist negative or impulsive behaviour of any kind.
It represents our conscience.
In regard to our work it is considered unethical to apply our energies in any way that will harm other living creatures.
"Niyama' is the positive aspect of the moral/ethical practices.
In contrast with the above, we are reminded that all things are honestly acquired only through self effort and personal application of our free will.
It refers to the effort we must make to build our health by following the natural laws that we all know well in right diet, exercise, rest, and so on.
Emotionally it applies to disciplining our emotions.
Having used any restraint that is necessary by attention to Yama, we have to create positive emotional states, moods and feeling responses to life and to people by the practice of contentment, cheerfulness and certain calmness in our emotional character so as to allow rational and balanced determinations and choices.
In regard to our personality we develop the classical traits and virtues such as truthfulness, honesty, loving kindness, compassion, stability and any qualities we personally wish to be able to express in our behaviour and our thoughts.
We work to create and find self confidence in our own positive self-image.
We are encouraged to work in spheres of natural interest if possible so that we can enjoy the application of our natural skills and seek opportunity to make a positive contribution in the sphere of our choice.
The principle of the Yamas/Niyamas gives us the fundamental tool for successful self discipline.
