“aparigraha sthairye janma kathanta sambodha”

When one is steadfast in non-possessiveness or non-grasping with the senses (aparigraha), there arises knowledge of the why and wherefore of past and future incarnations.

Yoga Sutra 2.39

The fifth and final YAMA is concerned with freedom from greed and hoarding. It explores the idea that we should not take or collect things we do not really need. We should not be greedy. We should only take that which had been worked for and earned. By applying this YAMA we are able to simplify our lives and train ourselves to not feel that we are lacking or missing out on anything. We have all that we really need when we have food, shelter, our mind and our health. When we are living in accordance with the APARIGRAHA we can trust that what we need, will come into our lives as and when it is really required.

We can try to apply APARIGRAHA is a number of ways – only filling our plate with a humble amount, we can always go back for more if genuinely hungry. We can also trying not to hoard clothes (which I know can be an issue for a lot of people in today’s fashion conscious world!) We don’t need something in EVERY colour! If we have a perfectly good pair of tights / jacket / whatever… Then wear it until it is actually worn out.  How could you apply APARIGRAHA in your life?

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Yoga Sutra 2.38

Traditionally this YAMA is often thought of as celibacy – the idea being that the yogi conserves their sexual energy so that this energy is used to progress along the yogic path. Another interpretation of Brahmacharya is working toward using ones energy wisely. Drawing our energy away from fleeting pleasures, which often tend to satisfy physical yearnings temporarily, and moving our attention toward finding inner happiness and union with the divine.

Our sexual energy is special. Our body is special. It should not be offered lightly.
This is not to say we all need to live in caves and meditate forever never touching anyone… Or that sex is bad. Damn… It’s actually pretty awesome when it’s with the right person done for the right reasons. Being able to experience and participate in our world, society, relationships and parenthood whilst applying Brahmacharya and the other YAMAS will make fine yogis of us all that’s for sure. We will understand the world from our experience. We will know that true happiness does not lie in worldly trappings, or at the hands of another. Happiness comes from within. “Brahmacharya is the battery that sparks the torch of wisdom.” If we put energy into things like worrying about the way we look and pushing toward ultimate fitness for vanity rather than health, this could also be considered unwise use of energy.

How could you start working to apply Brahmacharya in your life?

The post Living the 8 Limbs – the fourth of the Yamas – Brahmacharya appeared first on Byron Yoga.

When non-stealing (asteya) is established, all jewels, or treasures present themselves, or are available to the Yogi.

Yoga Sutra 2.37

In Sanskrit – A = not, Steya = stealing. This Yama is concerned with not taking that which does not belong to us. The concept extends further than just stealing or taking a possession. We should not use something for a different purpose than was intended or use something for longer than intended by its owner. We should honour the person who confides in us, by not taking advantage of ones trust. We should not take anything that is not freely given. This includes someone’s time and their ideas.

Another aspect of Asteya is asking us to work toward letting go of desiring or craving what another person has, the kind of jealousy that can lead to discontentment and even unskilled action. It is said that the Yogi desires one thing only – to adore the divine. The divine is God, nature, your neighbour, and animals and oneself – union with the universe is what the Yogi craves. Nothing more. How could you apply Asteya in your life?

The post Living the 8 Limbs – the third of the Yamas – Asteya appeared first on Byron Yoga.

“As truthfulness (satya) is achieved, the fruits of actions naturally result according to the will of the Yogi.”

Yoga Sutras 2:35

This Yama is a commitment to truthfulness. Satya literally means ‘to speak the truth’ and
is considered to be essential to the yogic code of conduct. Honest communication and honest action form the basis of any healthy relationship including with community and with yourself.

It is considered that there is four sins of speech: abuse and obscenity, falsehoods and lies, telling tales and the last is ridiculing what others hold to be sacred. Speaking without malice and with self control means that when we do speak our words will be heard, respected and remembered because they are good and real and true.

It is important that Satya does not come into conflict with our efforts to behave with the first Yama, Ahimsa. Meaning, if the truth has a very negative consequence and may cause more harm than good, then it is better to say nothing, allowing nature to take its course. It is important to mind what we say, how we say it and in what way others may be affected by it.

Satya is also not necessarily just concerned with speech. It can also be taken as living in your truth and being to true to yourself.

The post Living the 8 Limbs – the second of the Yamas – Satya appeared first on Byron Yoga.

Yoga Sutra 2:35

Ahimsa is the first of five specific ethical precepts, in Yoga we call these precepts ‘yamas’. The yamas give us basic guidelines for living a life of personal fulfilment that will also benefit society. Ahimsa is derived from two words: ‘a’, meaning ‘not’, and ‘himsa’, meaning ‘harm’. It can also be taken to mean – ‘gentleness’ or ‘kindness’.

Learning to practice ahimsa or non-violence, can begin on the mat with yourself and knowing your current limitations. Knowing when to slow down, rest and recuperate is the sign of an advanced yoga practice. Here at Byron Yoga Centre, Ahimsa is the undercurrent that runs through our teacher trainings, wellness retreats and studio classes.

Ahimsa is ultimate love. When we can learn to practice this ultimate love with ourselves, the ripple effect is the ability to apply an Ahimsic approach to our dealings with others and an empathetic outlook to all aspects of our lives. Our wellness retreats are built on the foundations of Ahimsa. Encouraging retreat guests to cultivate wellness through restorative classes, meditation, massage, sunrise walks and a loving gaze inward.

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