What is Yama in yoga sutra?
Yoga Sutra is one of the basic texts in the medieval period discussing the method and practice of yoga. Yoga Sutra has eight components or limbs known as Ashtanga. They are Yamas, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Yamas is the first of among eight limbs of Yoga. The first component defines the concept of Yama is describing through the five fundamental facts to clearly understand about how to interact with others in a good manner. Yamas includes five basic outlines of code of conduct. They are Ahimsa or Non violence, Satya or Truthfulness, Asteya or non stealing, Brahmacharya or celibacy, Aparigraha or Non-Coveting. Through Yama, the first and major concept Ahimsa is discussing not only about physical violence, but also violence through words. No one should try to create physical, mental or emotional violence upon others. By practising Ahimsa means, one will have to observe ourselves at the time of interaction with others. Another fact in ahimsa is good thoughts and attentions. People wants to think good thoughts and intentions about others. Another major concept of Yama is Satya or Truthfulness. According to Yama's first concept, sometimes satya or truthfulness is hard to practise. Because one should careful to say truth if we think it will cause bad to others. Nevertheless we must give priority to the first yama. Another yama is Asteya or Non stealing. Asteya means don't try to steal others property. What ever it may be such as clothes, food, or any other thing, if one think that's not our own, ask permission to them, instead of that don't try to steal others properties. This is not only about stealing of material assets, but also non stealing of someone's time, happiness, energy and so on. Brahmacharya or Celibacy is the another Yama. The concept of Brahmacharya defines that one should lead complete spiritual life by avoiding loud music, over stimulating food and also wash off the sexual desires. It will lead path towards Brahman. The last yama is Aparigraha or non greed. This concept defines that one should possess the thing that is very necessary. Over possession of goods is not a good manner.
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