If you’ve studied yoga philosophy and heard the term brahmacharya, you may think of celibacy, self-denial, or asceticism when you see the word. But believe it or not, the aim of brahmacharya is to enjoy life! Brahmacharya means “to walk with God” (in Hindu terminology, to seek Brahman). In my belief, God doesn’t want us … [Read more…]
Every moral code includes truthfulness. Truth in yoga is the second yama, satya in Sanskrit. It is not a simple matter of not telling a lie. Satya requires authenticity. Why is truth so important, and what exactly does it mean to be truthful? Healthy relationships are based on authenticity. We cannot be authentic unless we are … [Read more…]
The very first step on Patanjali’s eight-limbed path of yoga is the first yama: ahimsa. The word means nonviolence or non-harming. It can also be thought of as kindness. Understanding the First Yama Practicing ahimsa means doing no harm. We act with kindness toward other people, other beings, and the universe itself. Most of us … [Read more…]
Most of us in the West have heard of the Ten Commandments. If you’re a yogi, you probably also know about the five yamas and the five niyamas. If you don’t, they are the principles the yogic sage Patanjali gave yogis as a guide for right living; think of them as the ten commandments for … [Read more…]