1) Ahimsa – Non Violence or Non Harming – ‘A’ translates to “not,” while ‘himsa’ translates to “harming, injuring, killing, or doing violence.” Ahimsa is the practice of non-violence in actions, words or thoughts, not only to others but to ourselves as well. This Yama covers not only the physical, but our inner and emotional well being. It is the key to living a peaceful and harmonious life through our relationship with ourselves and those around us. To fully embrace this Yama we must practice kindness, compassion, acceptance, tolerance and forgiveness.
2) Satya – Truthfulness - Truth in thought, words and actions towards others and ourselves. To live by our truth. Satya is the process of being completely honest with oneself. Looking deep within and learning to recognise in ourselves what actions and thoughts are based out of fear or anger, and what is actually the truth. Standing up and believing in your truth. Satya works very closely with Ahimsa, to live by owns own truth but to deliver this truth in a way that practices Ahimsa, to be kind.
3) Asteya – Non Stealing – Steya translates to stealing. Asteya is the act of not stealing. Not taking what is not freely given. This does not just mean the obvious of not stealing physical things, but also of stealing our own peace. By pushing ourselves so hard that we become run down or sick, or wanting so badly for something that we lose focus on the present moment. These are all ways in which we do not practice Asteya because we are literally stealing away our own chances happiness. Asteya is also the act of not stealing anyone else’s peace. Being mindful and respectful of others. A simple example might be that in pushing yourself so hard with your job and the long hours you work, you rob your loved ones and yourself of the quality time you may spend with them, they too become weary and feel neglected. Asteya is finding the balance.
4) Brahmacharya – The right use of our energy or moderating the senses, - originally linked with Celibacy, Brahmacharya was to encourage yoga practitioners to conserve their sexual energy. The modern term now is ‘the right use of energy’. This Yama is concerned with how and where you direct your energy. Is your energy directed to something that is fleeting and will potentially cause harm to yourself or another, physically or emotionally, or is it directed to something that will bring you and those connected with you peace?
5) Aparigraha – Non attachment, non greed or non possessiveness – Aparigraha is being less concerned with the outcome and more concerned with the present moment. Enjoying our lives daily as it comes as opposed to being attached to the idea of what may happen. It is also where we do not allow worldly possessions or objects be the focus of our joy, always wanting for more or jealously over what another may have which in turn clouds our peace and happiness. Non possessiveness may relate to the relationship that we have with ourselves and others. Finding balance that is of equal give and take rather than giving more than is healthy for us, or trying to dominate and control the relationship in a bid to make ourselves feel power. Aparigraha will help us to look clearly and with balance over all aspects of our life.