Vibrant Soulful
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
    • AYURVEDIC WELLNESS COACHING
    • WELLNESS CLASSES
    • WORKPLACE WELLNESS
    • YOGA CLASSES
    • PRIVATE YOGA SESSIONS
    • YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
  • RESOURCES
    • Tip Sheets
    • Free Yoga Practices
    • Recipes
    • Vibrant Soulful Book List
    • Podcasts
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • FREE DISCOVERY SESSION

Yamas and Niyamas

2/27/2009

0 Comments

 

Yamas and Niyamas
by Annie Barrett

The yamas and niyamas form the first two limbs of the 8 Limbs of Classical Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) : restraints (yamas), observances (niyamas), physical postures (asana), breathing practices (pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and aborption with the Absolute (samadhi).

The yamas and niyamas are ten principles or core values for living a wise and joy-filled life.

“Yamas and Niyamas are emphatic descriptions of what we are  when we are connected to our source…. our fundamental nature is compassionate, generous, honest and peaceful”  writes Donna Farhi.  Stephen Cope says the yamas and niyamas teach us “about avoiding behaviors that produce suffering and difficulty and embracing those that lead to states of happiness.”

Each yoga class in the next few months will focus on one of the yamas and niyamas.  Below is a short description of each.  Together we’ll become aware of and explore how each of these principles can be observed and practiced on and off the mat with the goal of living a life of greater authenticity, purpose, and joy. 

Yamas - Wise characteristics for living in the world
Ahimsa – Non-harming.  Have compassion for all living things.
Satya – Truthfulness, Make a commitment to the truth in words and actions.
Asteya – Non-stealing.  Don’t take anything that is not freely given.
Bramacharya – Energy moderation.  Use energy wisely and avoid by ruled by your urges.
Aparigraha – Non-grasping.  You can’t hold on to something or someone and be free at the same time.
 
Niyamas – Qualities for living a soulful life
Saucha- Purity.  Bring cleanliness and order to body, mind and environment.
Santosha – Contentment.  Find satisfaction and equanimity with the present moment.
Tapas – Right Effort, burning enthusiasm. This is disciplined and directed use of one’s energy.
Svadhyaya – Self Study.  Take time for self-contemplation and study of scriptures and wise texts.
Ishavara Pranidhana – Dedication to the highest.  Make every action an offering.
 

Resources:
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, various translations
Yoga, Mind, Body and Spirit by Donna Farhi
Living Your Yoga by Judith Lasater
“Path to Happiness” by Hillari Dowdle, Yoga Journal, Jan. 2009


0 Comments
    Picture

    Annie Barrett

    Educator, certified health coach, educator and yoga instructor.

    Book a Free Consult

    Search this website

    Picture

    Get the Vibrant Soulful Weekly Newsletter.

    * indicates required

    Archives

    November 2020
    October 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    July 2018
    March 2018
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    May 2012
    February 2012
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    May 2009
    February 2009


    Categories

    All
    5 Elements
    Abhyasa
    Abundance
    Alignment
    Anjali Mudra
    August
    Bija Niyaya
    Breath
    Detox
    Discipline
    Family
    Grace
    Gratitude
    Heart
    Holidays
    Intentions
    Meditation
    Mythology
    Namaste
    New Year
    Open To Grace
    Practice
    Pulsation
    Relationships
    Sadhana
    Sattva
    Seed
    Sleep
    Spring Food
    Stillness
    Summer Solstice
    Valentine's Day
    Winter Solstice
    Yamas And Niyamas
    Yoga
    Yoga Philosophy

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
Picture

YOGA WITH ANNIE BARRETT LLC
​
TERMS, CONDITIONS & Disclaimer

PRIVACY POLICY
Copyright © 2020
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
    • AYURVEDIC WELLNESS COACHING
    • WELLNESS CLASSES
    • WORKPLACE WELLNESS
    • YOGA CLASSES
    • PRIVATE YOGA SESSIONS
    • YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
  • RESOURCES
    • Tip Sheets
    • Free Yoga Practices
    • Recipes
    • Vibrant Soulful Book List
    • Podcasts
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • FREE DISCOVERY SESSION