Yama and Niyama
Yogic Principles for Yogic Principles for Mental Harmony and Mental Harmony and
Social PeaceSocial Peace
Photo by Takako Nakasu
By Dada Rainjitananda
What is the purpose of human life? Not only happiness and Not only happiness and
peacepeace But infinite happiness and But infinite happiness and
infinite peaceinfinite peace or Bliss or Bliss in the Yoga philosophy it is in the Yoga philosophy it is
called “Anandacalled “Ananda””
How does the human structure function? It transforms physical matter into mental It transforms physical matter into mental
substance and mental substance into substance and mental substance into spiritual consciousnessspiritual consciousness
How does the human structure function? Food is transformed into various elements Food is transformed into various elements
in the body: in the body: Rasa (chyle, fluid essence of digested Rasa (chyle, fluid essence of digested
food) –> blood –> flesh –> fat –> bone –food) –> blood –> flesh –> fat –> bone –> bone marrow -> shukra (the final > bone marrow -> shukra (the final essence of food)essence of food)
How does the human structure function? Shukra nourishes the brain, strengthen the Shukra nourishes the brain, strengthen the
nerves, and provides vitality to the bodynerves, and provides vitality to the body Shukra is also transformed into semen and Shukra is also transformed into semen and
other tissues and fluids used for other tissues and fluids used for reproductionreproduction
Excess sexual activity may deplete the Excess sexual activity may deplete the organism of shukraorganism of shukra
How does the human structure function? After food reaches its subtlest physical After food reaches its subtlest physical
transformation, then it is further transformation, then it is further transformed into mental substance called transformed into mental substance called “Ectoplasm”. “Ectoplasm”.
If one meditates and encourages spiritual If one meditates and encourages spiritual thoughts then Ectoplasm is further thoughts then Ectoplasm is further transformed into Consciousness (“Spiritual transformed into Consciousness (“Spiritual substance”)substance”)
How does the human structure function? When ectoplasm becomes consciousness When ectoplasm becomes consciousness
one experiences blissone experiences bliss
Our daily life
It is what we do during the 24 hours of our It is what we do during the 24 hours of our day that determines the quality of our lifeday that determines the quality of our life
““As we think so we become” is an ancient As we think so we become” is an ancient Yogic proverbYogic proverb
How to choose what to do from How to choose what to do from what not to do? How to control our what not to do? How to control our thoughts?thoughts?
The User’s Guide for Humans
Part 1 – YamaPart 1 – Yama Part 2 - NiyamaPart 2 - Niyama
Progress
Physical Sphere – there is only relative Physical Sphere – there is only relative progress (pros and cons) progress (pros and cons)
Mental Sphere – also only relative progress, Mental Sphere – also only relative progress, the mind eventually deterioratesthe mind eventually deteriorates
Spiritual Sphere – the only permanent Spiritual Sphere – the only permanent progress is in this sphereprogress is in this sphere
Mental Equilibrium
Our energy is drained by disharmony within Our energy is drained by disharmony within ourselves and with those around usourselves and with those around us
The first level of the mind is the Conscious The first level of the mind is the Conscious Mind which relates through the senses with Mind which relates through the senses with the external world.the external world.
Mental Equilibrium is the first step to move Mental Equilibrium is the first step to move towards higher realization.towards higher realization.
Interconnectedness of all creation
Although human beings are becoming more Although human beings are becoming more aware, our value system does not yet reflect aware, our value system does not yet reflect this realization of the Oneness of allthis realization of the Oneness of all
Still based on dogmatic ideas of sin and Still based on dogmatic ideas of sin and absolute virtueabsolute virtue
Vague ideas of ethical relativism – anything Vague ideas of ethical relativism – anything goes since everything, after all, is relativegoes since everything, after all, is relative
Yama and Niyama
Principles for self-controlPrinciples for self-control Towards oneself and towards othersTowards oneself and towards others There are five kinds of yama and five kinds
of niyama whose very purpose is to regulate the external and internal behaviour of human beings according to the highest principles.
Sanskrit
The inner language of the human body.The inner language of the human body. The philosophy of Yoga is given in Sanskrit The philosophy of Yoga is given in Sanskrit
termsterms
5 Principles of Yama
AhimAhim’’sasa’’- not to inflict pain or hurt anyone- not to inflict pain or hurt anyone Satya – benevolent use of mind and wordsSatya – benevolent use of mind and words Asteya – non-stealingAsteya – non-stealing Brahmacarya – remain absorbed in Brahmacarya – remain absorbed in
Supreme ConsciousnessSupreme Consciousness Aparigraha – non accumulationAparigraha – non accumulation
Yama
1. Ahim’sa’
ManovaManova’’kkayaeh kkayaeh sarvabhusarvabhu’’tanatana’’mapiidamapiida’’namahimnamahim’’sasa
Not inflicting pain or hurt anybody by Not inflicting pain or hurt anybody by thought, word or actionthought, word or action
Suppose you are alone in the universe, Suppose you are alone in the universe, would you be able to follow Ahimwould you be able to follow Ahim ’’sasa’’??
Historical definitions of Ahim’sa’ There were many impractical interpretations of There were many impractical interpretations of
Ahim’sa Ahim’sa In the Post-vedic age not only killing was In the Post-vedic age not only killing was
prohibited but even to fight a defensive fightprohibited but even to fight a defensive fight Tilling the land was not allowed because it causes Tilling the land was not allowed because it causes
death to insects and sugar must be poured to the death to insects and sugar must be poured to the ants even though humans starvedants even though humans starved
Breathing causes death of microbes so people Breathing causes death of microbes so people were prescribed maskswere prescribed masks
Historical definitions of Ahim’sa’ Many became selfish atheists which created a Many became selfish atheists which created a
problem for societyproblem for society AhimAhim’’sasa’’ influenced philosophy/religion became influenced philosophy/religion became
impractical and impotent in natureimpractical and impotent in nature
A second definition
It was HimIt was Him’’sasa’’ to cause pain to living beings to cause pain to living beings but slaughter animals for food was acceptedbut slaughter animals for food was accepted
A more recent interpretation
Non-violence or non-application of forceNon-violence or non-application of force Possibly the most distortedPossibly the most distorted Life develops through the medium of forceLife develops through the medium of force Non-application of force is contrary to the Non-application of force is contrary to the
fundamentals of naturefundamentals of nature It makes people passiveIt makes people passive
The Yogic meaning
One will have to guide oneOne will have to guide one ’’s conduct s conduct carefully to ensure that onecarefully to ensure that one ’’s thoughts or s thoughts or actions cause pain to nobody and are unjust actions cause pain to nobody and are unjust to none.to none.
Food is to be selected from amongst the Food is to be selected from amongst the beings with the least developed beings with the least developed consciousnessconsciousness
A’tata’yii There are enemiesThere are enemies Against enemies one will need to apply forceAgainst enemies one will need to apply force
A’tata’yii Anyone who, by the use of brute force:Anyone who, by the use of brute force:
Wants to take possession of your propertyWants to take possession of your property Abducts your spouseAbducts your spouse Comes with a weapon to murder youComes with a weapon to murder you Wants to snatch away wealthWants to snatch away wealth Sets fire to housesSets fire to houses Wants to take life by administering poisonWants to take life by administering poison
Use of force
The use of force against an aggressor is The use of force against an aggressor is valor and desisting from such use of force is valor and desisting from such use of force is cowardice.cowardice.
Strategy
But the weak person must assess his But the weak person must assess his strength before indulging in violent conflict strength before indulging in violent conflict with a powerful aggressorwith a powerful aggressor
Forgive but …
To pardon the aggressor without correcting To pardon the aggressor without correcting his/her nature would mean encouraging his/her nature would mean encouraging injustice.injustice.
Think about the following actions in relation to Ahim’sa SuicideSuicide AbortionAbortion Eating animalsEating animals Defending yourselfDefending yourself The use of drugsThe use of drugs DisarmamentDisarmament
2. Satya This practice implies proper action of mind and This practice implies proper action of mind and
right use of the words with the spirit of collective right use of the words with the spirit of collective welfare.welfare.
No English synonym. Truth is translated in No English synonym. Truth is translated in Sanskrit as Sanskrit as ““RtaRta””
Satya is deeper than Rta as it requires benevolenceSatya is deeper than Rta as it requires benevolence One has to develop the proper mental attitude One has to develop the proper mental attitude
towards external objects or peopletowards external objects or people
Satya
Where there is no propagation of Satya people indulge in individual selfishness or group selfishness
Their only object becomes to establish oneself in this material world by means of the use of well-knit language and cunningness
Hope
Through Satya hope is Through Satya hope is encouraged and it encouraged and it strengthens humanitystrengthens humanity
3. Asteya
Not to take possession of what belongs to Not to take possession of what belongs to othersothers
Non-stealingNon-stealing
4 types of stealing
1. Physical theft of any material1. Physical theft of any material 2. Planning in the mind to take possession2. Planning in the mind to take possession 3. Depriving others of what is their due3. Depriving others of what is their due 4. Planning in the mind to deprive others4. Planning in the mind to deprive others
Asteya – non-stealing
Indirect ways of stealing: Indirect ways of stealing: Adulterated goodsAdulterated goods BribingBribing CorruptionCorruption ExploitationExploitation
4. Brahmacarya
To remain attached to the Universal To remain attached to the Universal ConsciousnessConsciousness
Treat the objects as different expressions of Treat the objects as different expressions of that Universal Consciousness.that Universal Consciousness.
To feel the Cosmic Entity in every material To feel the Cosmic Entity in every material objectobject
Does not mean celibacyDoes not mean celibacy
5. Aparigraha
Non-indulgence in the enjoyment of such Non-indulgence in the enjoyment of such amenities and comforts which are amenities and comforts which are superfluous for life.superfluous for life.
Non-accumulationNon-accumulation Control over the subjectivity is Control over the subjectivity is
Brahmacarya and control over the Brahmacarya and control over the objectivity is Aparigrahaobjectivity is Aparigraha
Minimum requirements
Vary according to time, space and personVary according to time, space and person Can, to some extent, be determined by the Can, to some extent, be determined by the
societysociety Maximum amenities Maximum amenities
How to live in the Society The establishment of a Society depends on The establishment of a Society depends on
the mutual help of the members and their the mutual help of the members and their co-operative behavior. co-operative behavior.
The principles of Yama and NiyamaThe principles of Yama and Niyama It is necessary some control of society over It is necessary some control of society over
an individualan individual’’s conduct and expenditures conduct and expenditure
Niyama
Principles for harmony within oneselfPrinciples for harmony within oneself It depends on oneIt depends on one’’s relationship with s relationship with
oneselfoneself
5 Principles of Niyama
Shaoca – purity of body and mindShaoca – purity of body and mind SantosSantos’’a – contentmenta – contentment Tapah – to undergo hardships to attain the Tapah – to undergo hardships to attain the
goalgoal Svadhyaya – study of philosophy/scripturesSvadhyaya – study of philosophy/scriptures Iishvara Pranidhana - meditation Iishvara Pranidhana - meditation
Shaoca - cleanliness
PhysicalPhysical External – body and environmentExternal – body and environment Internal - foodInternal - food
PsychicPsychic External – control over inferencesExternal – control over inferences Internal – mental tendenciesInternal – mental tendencies
External Psychic Shaoca Suppose someone is very happy, one feels jealous. Suppose someone is very happy, one feels jealous. Impose an opposite idea – friendlinessImpose an opposite idea – friendliness One will also feel happy when a friend is happyOne will also feel happy when a friend is happy Somebody is in trouble, one feels he deserved itSomebody is in trouble, one feels he deserved it Be compassionateBe compassionate Somebody is prospering, progressing, one feels Somebody is prospering, progressing, one feels
envyenvy Encourage themEncourage them
A pure mind
If an acquaintance earns name, fame, If an acquaintance earns name, fame, gathers much knowledge, many will have a gathers much knowledge, many will have a feeling of jealousy against him/herfeeling of jealousy against him/her
When self interest is hamperedWhen self interest is hampered Cleansing the mind is far more difficult Cleansing the mind is far more difficult
than cleansing the body and environmentthan cleansing the body and environment
2. Santos’a - contentment
Can not be achieved when running after Can not be achieved when running after material objectsmaterial objects
Achievements of desired objects may give Achievements of desired objects may give pleasure for an hour and one will run in pleasure for an hour and one will run in pursuit of new objectspursuit of new objects
Human desire knows no endHuman desire knows no end
Santos’a
Auto-suggestion – take thoughts which are Auto-suggestion – take thoughts which are contrary to mean tendenciescontrary to mean tendencies
3. Tapah
To undergo hardship to reach the goal.To undergo hardship to reach the goal. To undergo physical discomfort with a view To undergo physical discomfort with a view
to benefit humanityto benefit humanity To be above selfishnessTo be above selfishness Look upon the served ones as an expression Look upon the served ones as an expression
of the Cosmos and look after their comforts of the Cosmos and look after their comforts selflesslyselflessly
Buddha
Buddha says:Buddha says: Win the miser by charityWin the miser by charity Win the liar by speaking the truthWin the liar by speaking the truth
There is need of knowledge to follow TapahThere is need of knowledge to follow Tapah
Sva’dhya’ya
Clear understanding of spiritual subjectsClear understanding of spiritual subjects Not only understanding of the subject by Not only understanding of the subject by
reading or hearing but also to understand its reading or hearing but also to understand its significance – the underlying idea.significance – the underlying idea.
Those of vested interest want to keep the Those of vested interest want to keep the public away from the spirit of scriptures to public away from the spirit of scriptures to exploitexploit
Iishvara Pranidha’na
Iishvara means the controller of the Iishvara means the controller of the universeuniverse
The one who controls the thought waves of The one who controls the thought waves of this universethis universe
PranidhaPranidha’’na means to understand clearly or na means to understand clearly or to adopt something as a shelterto adopt something as a shelter
Iishvara Pranidha’na
To set up oneself in Cosmic IdeaTo set up oneself in Cosmic Idea To accept Iishvara as the only ideal of lifeTo accept Iishvara as the only ideal of life It is a pure mental effort based absolutely It is a pure mental effort based absolutely
on feelingon feeling Shouting at the top of oneShouting at the top of one ’’s voice or beating s voice or beating
drums will not do, Iishvara is not deaf.drums will not do, Iishvara is not deaf.
Iishvara Pranidha’na One will have to detach the mind from the One will have to detach the mind from the
external objectsexternal objects Then withdraw the mind from oneThen withdraw the mind from one ’’s internal s internal
physicalityphysicality Concentrate it at a fixed pointConcentrate it at a fixed point Keep the thought of the Macrocosm around Keep the thought of the Macrocosm around
that point with the help of its conception that point with the help of its conception based on a mantrabased on a mantra
3 Types of Mantra repetition
Reciting prayers in loud tones is Reciting prayers in loud tones is meaningless. Better to recite a verse or a meaningless. Better to recite a verse or a song.song.
Psalms uttered in low tone are better but not Psalms uttered in low tone are better but not idealideal
Mental ideation should be expressed Mental ideation should be expressed mentally. Mental use of Mantra is the best.mentally. Mental use of Mantra is the best.
Collective Iishvara Pranidhana
The combined mental efforts work togetherThe combined mental efforts work together There is tremendous benefit to the There is tremendous benefit to the
meditatormeditator The strong mental force aroused will help in The strong mental force aroused will help in
solving any problems small or big on thie solving any problems small or big on thie Earth.Earth.
Don’t just sit there, meditate.
Kiirtan
Kiirtan is spiritual chanting using mantraKiirtan is spiritual chanting using mantra It can be accompanied by danceIt can be accompanied by dance It engages the mind and body in spiritual It engages the mind and body in spiritual
practicepractice
Baba Nam Kevalam
Love is All there is.
Universal mantra