With recent events, my introspection is pointing out that we need to go back to basics. We are an evolved society but yet there is so much we still need to learn. No matter how many complicated things we accomplish, like landing on the moon, until we master the basics our progress will not be complete. We have been learning these fundamental values as children and they should become second nature. One example is respect. It should be ingrained in our souls but yet it is not. So many times it is difficult to show respect to ourselves and to others. Why are the simple things so complicated? Yoga, in its own way, tries to answer these simple questions. It has given us a simple set of rules to follow and a practice that helps us to become strong, yet sensitive. It gives us time to respect and restore.
Yamas and Niyamas from Yoga Philosophy.
Most of us know yoga as postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness but yoga philosophy is divided into 8 parts and the first 2 parts are things that we observe; Yamas are things one should not do and Niyamas are a set of rules or values that one should follow. One cannot practice true yoga without practicing these basic principles.
Yamas:
Ahimsa: nonviolence: respect for yourself and others
Satya: truthfulness:
Asteya: non-stealing
Brahmacharya: non- excess
Aparigraha: non-possessiveness, non-greed.
Niyamas:
Saucha: purity
Santosha: contentment
Tapas: self-discipline, training your senses
Svadhyaya: self-study, inner exploration
Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender
After the Yamas and Niyamas come postures, breathing techniques and mindfulness. Let’s take some time for ourselves to think of these values, what they mean to us, and how we can bring them into our lives. Together we can make this world a better place! And then we can build a home on mars!