Raja Yoga is considered to be the royal path of yoga and is one of the most commonly practiced types of yoga in the world. It is extremely valuable because it integrates an eight fold path for discovering truth and awakening human consciousness. It also gives one total health & well being.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali provide great insight into this through the learned principles of yamas and niyamas. The yamas are the attitudes and values that we should have towards ourselves and others. The niyamas are behaviors in which we relate to ourselves inwardly and are reflected outwardly.
The yamas and niyamas are 10 principles which are a prerequisite and are the foundation for higher practices of yoga. They are the initial limbs of Patanjali’s Raja Yoga system. There purpose is to help purify the body, mind and emotions so we can gain knowledge of the Self and be free of ignorance and suffering.
The yamas which represent right attitudes and values are meant to be practiced in thought, speech and action, and are essential in advancing on the spiritual path. The five yamas are: 1. ahimsa (non-violence), 2. satya (truthfulness), 3. asteya (non-theft), 4. brahmacharya (being disciplined in a spiritual practice) and 5. aparigraha (non-hoarding).
The yamas are universal in nature and promote dharmic and harmonious relations with all that exists. When we interact consciously with others keeping these attitudes in mind we become helpful in alleviating the suffering of ourselves and others. Yamas are important because they harmonize our inner and outer reality leading to happiness and health for all.
Niyama is the second limb of the raja yoga path. These five behaviors are also necessary to make spiritual progress. They are: 1. saucha (purity): this refers to cleaning the mind and body properly to eliminate ama (toxins), 2. santosha (contentment): this consists of maintaining a balanced mind of equanimity, 3. tapas (austerities): this consists of all the work, discipline, tolerance and practice necessary for well-being, 4. swadhyaya (self-study): this applies to studying oneself on multiple levels such as understanding the functioning of one’s own mind and body and 5. Ishwara pranidhana (surrender to God): this concept requires us to have faith and knowledge of the divine.
The niyamas are important because they prepare us for inner transformation and purification so that we may experience the higher levels of yoga.
Just as a yoga practitioner performs yoga asanas with dedication, focus and determination, the same commitment should be given to the cultivation of the yamas and niyamas. As a practitioner begins to cultivate these sets of attitudes and behaviors she builds an impression of them in the form of habits. Because of this the yogi then starts to live her life dharmically with purpose and meaning.
When demanding situations arise in life the yamas and niyamas are to be considered, contemplated and cultivated. In fact, they can be applied at any stage of life and in all situations and circumstances. They help develop Sattva Guna – a state of balance, harmony and equanimity.
The yamas and niyamas are beneficial in refining the Buddhi (intellectual faculty of the mind) which is used for discrimination and right action, thus, allowing one to make the best decision. They are all connected so by practicing one, it can lead to the practice of all the others.
Swami Veda Bharati a great yoga master says, that when one is on their spiritual path and serious about their yoga, they are automatically inclined to practice the yamas and niyamas. They not only learn them, but they apply the wisdom of the yamas and niyamas as part of their natural spiritual evolution. Their internal world and external world match to meet these values and behaviors which allows them to live authentically and joyfully.
“The aim of life is to attain peace. No one can give us peace. We can’t buy or borrow it. We have to cultivate it by practicing yama and niyama. “ Baba Hari Dass
These sets of attitudes and behaviors become our tools to navigate our spiritual path: as one flows down the river of life, the understanding or learning from our lessons are the currents and cross currents that can lead one to the vast ocean of knowledge with greater ease.
Integrating the yamas and niyamas in life becomes more effortless as one commits to the practice of them and understands how to apply them in all aspects of life.
A deeper understanding of each of the yamas and niyamas will be given in upcoming articles which can give you time to practice and contemplate them one by one.