Yoga: A Gem for Women - 8 Facets of Yoga

Yoga: A Gem for Women - 8 Facets of Yoga
 

The threefold quest shows us that there is a movement from the outer distractions of the world inward to a more serene and subtle state.  When reaching that inner state we find a peace within leading to Self-realization.

Part of this journey is in the 8 limbs of Patanajali's yoga - Astanga Yoga and Geeta writes about this next by discussing the 8 facets of yoga.

Geeta begins the 1st facet with Yama, or the social disciplines.  The "do not's" of yoga.
If you have done some reading on the 8 limbs of yoga you may have read that Patanjali in sutra II.30 and II.31 lists 5 social disciplines.  "These are the great universal moral commandments which are not limited by birth, place, time and occasion."

Those being:
Ahimsa: Non-violence - Geeta writes that violence is lack of love and that only love can unite society.  Her wise words that violence is the outcome of fear, selfishness, anger and lack of confidence.  Non-violence is respect for others.

Satya: Truthfulness - This comes in speech, actions and deed. Geeta writes how the Mahabharata says to speak the truth, speak that which is pleasing, but speak not the truth which is unpleasing, nor falsehood which is pleasing. 
Her analogy of how the tongue with no bones is like a serpent that can twist as it pleases, so needs control so it does not swerve from the truth.

Asteya: Non-Stealing - This is the acceptance taking only what one needs, as anything more is greed.

Brahmacarya: Moderation in Sex - Geeta writes that "Kama or sex is undoubtedly one of the aims of life as well as a driving force in a human being, but it has to be channelled in the right direction."  If it is not if can lead to ruin.

Aparigraha: Non-Greed - Geeta writes that acquisitiveness is a disease and once it sets in it is impossible to give up.  When one is free from hankering after unnecessary objects one is free from this disease.

Added to this list is Ksama (forgiveness), Dhrti (steady intellect), Daya (compassion), Arjava (straightforwardness), Mitahara (moderation in diet) and Sauca (cleanliness).

I'm sure I could spend many lifetimes just on this facet alone. 
Over the next week or so pick one yama and for a day or so see if you can practice it and notice when you stray.
For example ahimsa is non-harming in speech, actions and thoughts.  How often does what we think affect us negatively.  How often do we think unkind things about ourselves or others.  Can we curb this knowing that things are not always what our thoughts are but arise out of impatience, fear or anger.  At these times sit with your breath for a few minutes and see if you can release this and come to a more realistic understanding.

Next we will see what Geeta Iyengar writes about Niyama.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com