Yamas & Niyamas

 

History

This section, relating to the history of the Yamas and Niyamas, is an ongoing work in progress; as I, intending to be a lifelong student of Yoga, continue to deepen and broaden my relationship with, and understanding of the practice, and with the Yamas and Niyamas especially so.  There is a complexity to the history of the Yamas and Niyamas simply because they arise within Classical Yoga from the hidden nature of 6000 years of known Indian history, and our western translation of that history.  I do not claim to be a historian, nor am I attempting to cover all of Yogic history here, but I will share, what I do know so far, specific toward the Yamas and Niyamas and their inclusion in Classical Yoga. Read More


 

Quotes of Insight

Throughout our practice, we have times of both ease and challenge.  It is through those times of challenge when we feel we're beginning to faulter, that the words of wisdom, from those who have gone before, can pick us back up to try again. Read More
 


 

Resource Books

This is a small list of books that both educate and inspire.  I have found them valuable along the way.  As I prefer to link to corporate websites as little as possible, you'll notice that the book images are currently linked to the website of a small independent bookstore.  In no way is this an indication for you to buy from them, it's merely to provide a place where you can read the book descriptions. Read More


 

What Are the Niyamas

The Niyamas, like the Yamas, carry a deep and sincere wisdom within them, one that we wade into as we abide by them.  They have an immensely valuable way of bringing us back to a centered space within, revealing more to us than I could ever say here.  Similar to the Yamas, in that we learn them sequentially, over time we see that the Niyamas never act independently of one another.  As we learn and grow with the Niyamas, we begin to observe and experience their exchanging quality not only with one another, but with the Yamas too.  This shows us that the Yamas are more flexible than the definition of “external” observances only to leave the Niyamas for the “internal”; instead, they are mutually operative. Read More


 

What Are the Yamas

The Yamas of Yoga have a revealing nature; as we deepen our insight into them, they reveal more of their essence to us.  Similar to a maturation process of developing skill and understanding, our willingness to observe our own behaviour allows the wisdom of the Yamas to infinitely guide us.  As the First Limb (or step) of Classical Yoga, the Yamas are considered “restraints”; ultimately, restraints toward mastery of the self through defining those things that we’re meant to refrain from…towards ourselves and others.  Observing the Yamas as a way of life will eventually bring us to an inner space of ease; an inner space, that without their guidance, can otherwise feel amiss, if even subtly. Read More