Yamas detail the principles of ethical behavior one should follow with others and with ourselves.
There are five yamas:
- Ahimsa
- Satya
- Asteya
- Brahmacharya
- Aparigraha
1. Ahimsa translates to “nonharming.” This can also be interpreted as “nonviolence.” It begins with respecting one’s self and own body, and extending that respect out to other living things.
2. Satya means “truthfulness,” or being honest with one’s self and with others. The natural philosophical conundrum of “What if the truth hurts? Does that violate ahimsa?” was addressed in the ancient epic Mahabarata: “Truth should be told when agreeable, should be said agreeably, and truth should not be said that does harm; however, never lie to give pleasure.”
3. Asteya, or “nonstealing,” refers to refraining from literal theft, but also channels the essence of desiring something that one has not earned or paid for.
4. Brahmacharya also invokes the essence of honoring one’s self, as well as one’s intimate partners. Some interpretations see brahmacharya as being mindful of how a person uses their life energy, also known as “Prana,” in the most meaningful way.
5. Aparigraha refers to non-coveting, an umbrella for greed in general. It can be interpreted as being free from desire, or living generously without expecting something in return. In yoga, practicing aparigraha leads to stability and patience.
Frankly Yoga 