Yoga is popular, especially the physical practice of yoga postures (asanas). But yoga is much more than a physical workout: it is a real lifestyle. Yoga philosophy has many useful tips and wisdom on how to live a useful and happy life; whether or not you regularly do a downward facing dog. For example, the so-called ‘yamas’: five life tips or rules of life (yamas) that are about pleasant interactions with both yourself and others.
Yoga has a long, rich tradition. A scripture that is considered one of the most important authentic sources is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In it he describes the so-called ‘eightfold path’: eight steps that lead to a state of enlightenment via, among other things, pranayama (breathing techniques) and asana (physical postures). The yamas, together with the niyamas, are the first step in this eightfold path. Regardless of your need for further spiritual deepening, these five rules of life can help you live life in a conscious and happy way.
Yama 1: Be nonviolent
The first rule of life is about non-violence. You can take that very literally: do not commit physical violence against other people. But this is also about how you treat yourself. Are you kind to yourself? Don’t you go out of your way to please other people? Do you ensure sufficient rest after hard work or exercise? But you can also apply nonviolence in the way you communicate with people. For example, by listening better, or counting to ten before bursting into a tirade.
Yama 2: Be honest
This rule of life is also well-known in the Western world: honesty is the best policy. Here again, be honest: not only be honest with others, but also with yourself. If you don’t really feel like going to a party, you can choose to go anyway and please that friend. But are you also honest with yourself? Daring to listen to and admit to your own needs is an important application of this rule of life.
There is discussion about the compatibility of this and the first rule of life. Because what if you hurt someone else with the truth? Ancient texts say: the truth must be presented in a friendly manner without harming anyone. But above all, it is important to speak the truth.
Yama 3: Don’t steal
You may think you never steal. But have you ever downloaded a movie illegally? Or read an e-book without paying for it? Or have you ever run away with someone’s ideas? These are also forms of stealing.
Yama 4: Control yourself
This rule of life is related to abstinence from sexual activities, i.e. a celibate life. Nowadays this rule is interpreted somewhat more broadly. For example, by focusing on meaningful relationships. Really try to fully enjoy intimate moments with someone, instead of diving into the suitcase with everyone. But this rule of life does not only apply to sexual intercourse. Self-control can also be expressed by not drinking completely intoxicated, but consciously enjoying one or two glasses of wine. Or not being too greedy with food.
Yama 5: Be free from greed
We have an incredible amount of gadgets at our disposal these days. The last maxim concerns greed: can you detach yourself from everything you own (declutter)? Greed can of course also manifest itself in the desire for the best job or the perfect partner, or, for the yoga practitioners among us: the pursuit of the perfect yoga posture. The challenge is to be satisfied with what you have now and where you are today. Without judging about it.