Yamas and Niyamas explained for “The Way of the Creative”
Looking back years later I can make the connection between the ancient yogic principals I was practicing and becoming happier calmer and more creative. Yoga is not only the postures that we all know. Yoga is a sophisticated system of awareness of body, mind and spirit. There are 8 limbs/stages of yoga, and the postures (Asana) are just one.
The Yoga Sutras of Pantajali is an ancient text that shares the 8 limb system system of yoga. The Yamas and Niyamas (ethical/internal) are the first 2 stages of Yoga. Successfully attaining all 8 stages would mean that you have complete mastery of the self, be able to calm and purify those around, and be in union with the universal creative force or higher power. Most people will never attain this…
Pantajali’s text outlines the Yama’s the moral codes and Niyama’s, the observances. Which can lead us to more peace, abundance, creativity, contentment, self-acceptance, love, harmonious relationships, and a stronger connection with the universal creative force.
Each moral code or observance unfolds with more wisdom than you would expect…
Yamas
The Yamas are a code for the external world. They tell us when we are heading in the wrong direction and instruct how to get back to our path. Yamas are social/ethical disciplines that invite us to ignore the evils and so we can bring positivity and peace to ourselves and the world.
Ahimsa- Non-violence- Without harm to others. To say this in the positive would be “LOVE”. Transform harm(fear) toward ourselves and others into kindness and compassion.
Satya- Truthfullness- Integrity to self, be real rather than nice, growth over the need to belong. Self expression over self indulgence. Without lies we can be transformed into our own uniqueness and authenticity.
Asteya- Non stealing – The desire to possess what another has. We break Asteya because of greed, desire, comparison to others and a sense of lack…To practice this we must realise we already have everything we need. The Ego can steal attention; Do not make situations about ourselves.
Bramacharya (walking with god)- non excess- self restraint (sometimes translated to celibacy). Leave greed and excess behind and walk through the world in awe. Do not forget the sacredness of life. Greed can be transformed into appreciation and pleasure without excess
Aparigraha- non possessiveness or non attatchment – Do not attach ourselves, to an identity, material possessions, achievements or relationships…This will help us enjoy life to the fullest. In a yoga class, Aparigraha is the acceptance of what the body is capable of, rather than the desire to have a perfect practice or achieve a specific result.
Niyamas
The Niyamas are our emotional intelligence- they are the stepping stones to our consciousness. They are habits or observances for an individual’s internal world. I believe that the Niyamas can lead us to become more intuitive and creative,
Saucha- Purity/Cleanliness- Purity of the body for good health, yoga postures were created to help purify the body. Mental purity- thoughts, attitude, distractions and actions. Cleanliness of your physical space. Purity to how we relate to the moment and each task in that moment. Clearing space to better access the creative parts of your mind.
Santosa- Contentment- a mind that is not content cannot concentrate. Longing for things we do not have… Complaining about things we do not like... Contentment is finding acceptance and appreciation for each moment.
Tapas- Discipline/Enthusiasm- Means heat. When things get hard this tests our strength of character. Tapas helps us develop willpower. The discipline and courage to stay in the fire and put in determined effort can change us and transform us. Burn away bad habits…
Svadhyaya- Self study- Knowing our identity and understanding our own perceptions. Becoming more aware of our own reactions, our own flaws. Self study also brings self-acceptance, it can change our outlook on life and free us.
Isvara Pranidhana- Surrender- Let go of control. Have faith in a higher force. To stay open to inspiration and to receive what you need surrender and trust…
I believe that practicing these ancient yogic disciplines daily lead me to a regular creative practice. It was not instant; It’s now a continual practice I have woven into my life. My book “The Creative Way” uses the 5 Niyama’s as a foundation but includes the rest of Pantajali’s 8 limbs of Yoga and other teachings. Through “The Way of The Creative” I believe you will discover boundless inspiration and begin to follow your passions for a bigger and better life.
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