Posts In: yamas and niyamas

In the realm of yoga philosophy, Tapas is a concept that holds profound significance. Derived from the Sanskrit root “tap,” meaning “to burn,” Tapas is often translated as “discipline,” “austerity,” or “burning enthusiasm.” It is a powerful concept that encourages individuals to cultivate self-discipline and passion in their pursuits, ultimately leading to personal transformation and growth. In the context of yoga, Tapas is considered one of the Niyamas, which are ethical principles guiding personal conduct and self-discipline. (more…)

The Niyamas, the second limb of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path, offer profound insights into the art of self-care and self-discovery within the yogic philosophy. They are about cultivating a better relationship with ourselves. I like to think of them as a way to measure how we treat ourselves when no one is watching. Among these five guiding principles is Saucha, which centers around the concept of purity, both inside and outside of our beings. In this exploration, we delve into the ways in which Saucha encourages us to cleanse our physical and mental spaces to facilitate inner clarity and harmony. (more…)

In the realm of yoga philosophy, Ahimsa takes its place as the very first Yama—an ethical guideline of utmost significance. Often referred to as non-violence or non-harming, Ahimsa beckons us to scrutinize our interactions with ourselves and the world around us. Initially, it may seem as if this concept is simply a call to refrain from physical acts of brutality, a reflection of the gruesome events that often make headlines or flood our social media feeds. Yet, upon closer examination, we discover that the essence of Ahimsa transcends the boundaries of obvious violence, manifesting in the most subtle corners of our existence, affecting us on profound levels. (more…)

In a previous blog post, we explored the transformative power of integrating the Yamas and Niyamas into our daily lives. As both yoga teachers and students, these ethical principles form the foundation on which we can build a profound and enriching yoga practice. Today, we delve deeper into the significance of these principles and understand why they are considered the most important limbs of the Eightfold Path. (more…)

Surrender opens us up to the idea that there is something greater than ourselves, something more intelligent than our thoughts, something that has a greater plan in play and we, as the participants, are simply doing our part. (more…)

Have you ever asked yourself the question “WHO AM I?” When it comes to the 4th Niyama, Study of the Self, one might wonder how does a person study themselves and what is involved with that? To study anything requires a person to be curious, focused, and inquisitive. (more…)

Tapas, the 3rd Niyama of the yoga sutras, translates as self-discipline. Most people, when they hear the word discipline, usually feel the hairs on the back of their neck stand up and resistance pops into their mind with the vision of heels digging into the sand as they were forced to do something they didn’t want to do. What most people don’t realize is the transformation that occurs through persevering a constant control of the self. (more…)

Santosha, the 2nd Niyama of the Yoga Sutras, wants us to have a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness with our life, relationships, and what we have. The first thought that comes to my mind is “I am happy, I am grateful for all that I have.” Santosha is a call to capture your thoughts and/or feelings that don’t match your beliefs in happiness. (more…)

Saucha – Purity

Saucha or purity is the 1st of 5 Niyamas and is really about cleanliness, inside and out. While most of us have good habits in taking care of the outside of our body, yoga also has several tools to help clean the inside of the body to support the removal of toxins and waste. (more…)

Aparigraha – The Art of Letting Go

Aparigraha is the last of the 5 Yamas and can be understood as non-grasping, non-hoarding, or non-greed. Now if you asked my husband how I rated in this he would probably tell you that I have this Yama pretty much down pat – since I seem to always be decluttering and giving things away that he isn’t quite ready to part with. (more…)