Posted on February 1st, 2012
…is the recurring theme in my contemplations.
Why are we so willing to call ourselves “yogis” just because we practice pranayama and asana, and then, when it comes to our lives “off the mat”, we are neglectful, forgetful and self-serving? (Please notice that I used lower case for “self”.)
After numerous certifications, focused study of the underlying ethics of yoga, I still find myself newly realizing how critical these ethics are in experiencing some degree of harmony in life.
Therefore, I am getting out the microscope to study again my own words and actions through the lens of the Yamas and Niyamas. The question will hang: “Do I really practice yoga?”
Below is the list. Over the course of February and March, I will be riffing on each to share my understanding as I, too, walk this balance beam of basking in the Mystery of it all while navigating the relativity of life on planet Earth.
YAMAS
Ahimsa: Non-Violence
Satya: Truthfulness
Asteya: Not Stealing
Brahmacharya: Merging with the One
Aparigraha: Not Grasping
NIYAMAS
Saucha: Purity
Santosha: Contentmen
Tapas: Burning Enthusiasm
Svadhyaya: Self-Study
Ishvarapranidhana: Surrender to the Divine