Yama, Aparigraha (Not Hoarding)

Aparigraha is not hoarding or collecting. It refers to taking only that which sustains us or is presently required. It is having faith that God will provide for us and not feeling the need to amass possessions out of fear of not having enough. It is paring down and simplifying our lives.

Aparigraha is akin to asteya (not stealing) in that we do not look at our lives from the vantage point of lack, but rather from a place of knowing that we have enough. It also parallels asteya in that we do not obtain things by unrighteous acts such as deceit or cheating.

In particular, aparigraha refers to not hoarding or collecting objects or food. In terms of food, aparigraha calls for us to eat only that which is essential for healthy survival and has been acquired by just means. By eating only what we need, i.e. pure foods, our bodies are not burdened by having to process unnatural, unhealthy substances and we are able to enjoy good health. If we diligently follow the path of aparigraha, we no longer require a pantry, a second refrigerator in the garage or to go on a diet.

Imagine if we acquired and stored fewer objects. Would we need an attic or a storage unit? When we hoard materials we have to work for them. We dust and polish them. We find boxes and places to store them when we no longer want to look at the objects, but still cling to ownership. We expend so much energy worrying that we may loose our stuff and protecting it, that the stuff we think we own ends up owning us. We become enslaved to it.

The practice of aparigraha requires introspection to discover what we really need, then taking that and no more. Looking at an object or food, asking if there is real benefit from owning or ingesting it, and letting go of that which does not answer the question with ‘yes’, is embracing Aparigraha.

Aparigraha sthairye janma kathamta sambodhah. (Upon a foundation of non-possessiveness, there arises the full understanding of the wherefore of birth.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:39

Namaste.

Yama, Brahmacharya (Becoming One With The Surpeme)

Brahmacharya is merging all of one’s energy with The One, God, The Supreme. It is using our sexual energy in a way that brings us closer to our spiritual selves.

Some have interpreted brahmacharya to mean the life of celibacy, but it is not exactly that. A celibate life is not a necessary part of spiritual training. Complete abstinence from natural functions is neither correct nor desirable. We know this because man is essentially divine. In every sphere of human activity, man can choose to act divinely; this includes choosing to act divinely in our sexual lives.

If yoga did require celibacy, then how many would truly be practicing it? How could married people practice yoga? Family life is an excellent training ground and thus source of growth for us with its adjustments, sacrifices and adaptations.

Sex is a proper and divine function and should be treated as such. The misuse of sexual energy causes nothing but negativity and hurt. While aspiring to brahmacharya realize that all acts of every kind should be regulated by the endeavor to benefit and aid spiritual progress for all.

Brahmacharya pratishthayam virya labhah.  (Upon being established in brahmacharya, there is the attainment of vital energy.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:38

Namaste.

Yama, Asteya (Not Stealing)

Asteya is not stealing. It’s not looking outside of ourselves for things, other people or situations to bring happiness to us. It is not taking something that has not been given freely. Asteya is not looking at our lives and focusing on what we feel we lack, but enjoying the gifts we already have.

Not too long ago I got the book, "Altars of Power and Grace" (see Books and Inspiring Reading on this site) and learned, among other things, how to create an abundance altar. As I was amassing the essentials, I asked myself what I want in abundance. Love was the first answer. Peace, faith and wisdom followed. And comfortable finances would be helpful too, I thought. A significant piece of the altar is to place a personal symbol that represents the result we’re hoping for. Mine is a symbol representing yoga because yoga encompasses all that I aspire to. Bringing the various aspects of yoga such as contentment (santosha) and the physical practice (asana) etc. into my awareness and practicing them have changed my life in so many positive ways.

Living in the yogic way brings about such abundance in our lives because we want for nothing that exists outside of ourselves. We no longer feel that sense of lack that may drive us to take when we should not. We learn that most of what we need is within.

So my altar has become a reminder of all that I do have. I have a lot of love. I have faith and am acquiring wisdom. I have many times of peacefulness and am comfortable. And when I light my altar, instead of asking for more, I give thanks for what I already have.

Asteya pratishthayam sarvaratna upasthanam.  (Upon being established in non-stealing, there occurs the attainment of all prosperity.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:37

Namaste.

Yama, Satya (Truthfulness)

Satya is being truthful. That is a simple statement, but a very powerful action. Satya is as simple as recognizing that withholding information, fudging the truth, exaggerating, gossiping, or retelling a story that we aren’t exactly sure is accurate, are all forms of misinformation and thus harmful. It is knowing that when we engage in right speech, our words and message will be heard.

If you believe the statement the truth shall set you free then you know how powerful satya is. Being truthful brings about calmness in us because we know we've left no tracks to cover up. We are unburdened by fabrications that need remembering and elaboration. Our conscience becomes liberated because we have not intentionally hurt another with lies.

Practicing satya begins with our selves by being true to our own destiny. We look inward and ponder where we need to go on our journey of growth. Then we need be honest with our selves and follow that path even if it brings some discomfort along the way.

In his book, "The Four Agreements" (see Books and Other Inspiring Reading on this site), Don Miguel Ruiz teaches a powerful code of conduct that when followed leads to a life lived in freedom and happiness. The first agreement that he suggests we make with ourselves is being impeccable with our word. It may be the most important and difficult agreement to follow. Ruiz writes, "The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic. But like a sword with two edges, your word can create the most beautiful dream, or your word can destroy everything around you. One edge is the misuse of the word, which creates a living hell. The other edge is the impeccability of the word, which will only create beauty, love, and heaven on earth. Depending upon how it is used, the word can set you free, or it can enslave you even more than you know."

Honest thought, communication and action are the basis for every healthy relationship. Purposely being deceptive and untruthful only causes harm to your self and others. When we speak only the truth people will listen and give their respect. By being truthful with others we provide them with their much-deserved respect as well.

Satya pratishthayam kriya phala shrayatvam.  (Upon being established in truth, there is surety in the result of actions.)

-Pantanjali Yoga Sutras ii:36

Namaste.

Yama, Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

Ahimsa is not only non-violence, but also a sincere compassion and love for all of creation. It begins with the realization that all living things -- plants, animals, people, the planet, etc. -- comprise a whole. We are all very different yet connected, interdependent and part of that totality. Realizing that truth we know that what happens to one effects all. Cut down the Earth’s trees and the planet becomes inhospitable to oxygen-dependent beings. Poison the water and those requiring it suffer. Behave mean-spiritedly to another and cause hurt to that person at the very least.

Let’s look at our bodies as an example of a microcosm. We have so many varied parts that make up this one entity. A foot is quite different in shape and function than a shoulder. The front and back sides of our bodies are unique yet still part of a whole that we call our bodies. What we do to one part surely effects the whole.

When we practice postures where we are bending backwards for example, we open the front side of our bodies. However, the rest of the body will be changed. We cannot solely concern ourselves with the opening of the front side, but must also compassionately consider the effect it will have on the back side as well. We must practice non-violence with each side, as we know both are affected. If we go into a back bend and compress the low back, right then or eventually we will cause harm. The benefits of opening the front side of the body will be diminished if we hurt the back.

Ahimsa is a practice, which requires us to remember our connection to all of creation. Let the well being of all be in the forefront of our thoughts when we think, speak and act.

Ahimsa pratishthayam tat sannidhou vairatyagah.  (Upon being established in non-hurtfulness, there is a relinquishing of hostility in the presence of that.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:35

Namaste.

Yama, The First Limb of Yoga

Yama is the first limb of yoga to learn and integrate into our being. Yama comprises 5 ethical precepts that when practiced in thought, word and deed bring about a moral society. Yama requires cultivation by means of thinking about the precepts, meditating on them, and putting them into practice. Noticing when our thoughts and actions are counter to yama, we then gently realign ourselves with it. The yamas are namely ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha. We will look at each individually.

What is Yoga?

There is no concise way to answer that question in a manner it deserves. In its most simple (and incorrect) terms, Yoga has been described as a form of exercise. It can also be simply, and correctly defined as a means of delivering our souls from the cycle of birth and death. In Mahadev Desai’s introduction of the Gita according to Gandhi, he succinctly and beautifully defines yoga as ‘the yoking of all the powers of body, mind, and soul to God; it means the disciplining of the intellect, the mind, the emotions, the will, which that Yoga presupposes; it means a poise of the soul which enables one to look at life in all its aspects evenly’. That may be the most concise definition I have read.

Many of us have different experiences with our Yoga practice and would partially describe and define it according to those experiences. Without quoting every definition of the practice that I’ve come across to date, allow me instead to share with you some of my understanding of what Yoga is.

Yoga is a way of living to be explored by studying, internalizing and practicing the 8 limbs of Yoga. The 8 limbs consist of the living principles (the yamas and the niyamas), the postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama), turning the senses inward (pratyahara), drawing complete attention and concentration on a single point (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and full consciousness and alertness (samadhi).

Yoga is a personal journey through all the 8 limbs, trying and testing each, feeling the effects they have on your self, noticing the effects your practice has on those you come into contact with, and asking yourself at each step of the way: Does this serve my spiritual growth?
I use the terms, ‘exploration’ and ‘personal journey’ because yoga is a very personal and unique practice. Once you begin your study, you will feel changes as you awaken more. You will feel powerless NOT to continue forward, like a moth being drawn from the darkness toward light.
It is instinctual that we grow spiritually. That is not to say that it comes without effort. We all struggle with different aspects of Yoga, but we continue because it resonates truthfully within us. Sometimes we find that it is the more challenging stuff that packs the bigger lessons. Facing those challenges can yield a bounty of good feeling and internal harmony when we think we’re "getting it".

As you study, learn, change and grow, run your experiences through this filter:
"Am I a better___________ (friend, brother, sister, spouse, stranger to meet, etc.) because of this practice?" If you find yourself answering yes to that, I think you are well on your way to answering the question of what yoga is for yourself.

Namaste.

Where to Begin? Begin with Gratitude.

As I was pondering what to share first, I asked myself what the most important aspect of yoga is. There’s the Yamas, which are ethical disciplines and include such endeavors as being compassionate and truthful, not stealing nor grasping, and the spiritual use of our sexual energy. The Niyamas would also have been a good starting point as they encompass ideals for living with soul through individual discipline. The Niyamas include living purely, with contentment and enthusiasm, self-study, and dedication to and celebration of the spiritual. All of these are important parts of yoga and we will have a more in-depth look at them individually soon.

Of course there is no one ‘most important’ aspect of yoga. But what kept coming back to me over and again was how great it is to be able to recognize the gifts that life gives us and to sincerely feel grateful for them. The other component to that is the realization that every event and everybody in our lives serves our growth. Be it something as little as our car keys being easily found when we’re pressed for time or as large as loving people in our lives, everything deserves our gratitude and we are all the more fulfilled when we realize and acknowledge that on a regular basis.

Regular feelings of gratitude may require cultivation. One way to do that is to set some time aside in your day to solely focus on what you have to be grateful for. It may start with something as seemingly minor as not being late for you class today and then remembering that person who showed you a kindness by making room for you. That might lead you to the appreciation of yourself for your efforts that you put into your health and well-being by practicing yoga or what ever else you do to take care of yourself. Those thoughts may then cause you to realize how grateful you are to be able to practice because you have the time, the physical capabilities, and the commitment, etc.

As you go along, you begin to realize that the things that you have to be grateful for are endless. The more often you set time aside for cultivation of gratitude, the keener your awareness becomes of the fact that you are the recipient of an abundance of wonderful gifts all day, every day.

So let us begin with gratitude, each day. Let us end with gratitude, every night. And let it permeate our day. Nothing but good can come from it.

Namaste.

A heartfelt thank you to CB for selflessly and generously giving your time, wisdom and energy to helping me with this endeavor.

"Generosity brings happiness at every stage of it's expression.
We experience joy in forming the intention to be generous.
We experience joy in the actual giving of something.
And we experience joy in remembering the fact that we have given."
-The Buddha

2006 Bryan Kest Workshop in Tequesta, FL

Bryan Kest, Laura Cole, Jasmine Pierre Kest