Yama and Niyama: brief review

Yama-Niyama are the principles of spiritual life, based on which yogi, practicing spiritual practices, becomes perfect. In other words, Yama-Niyama is the boat in which you are sitting, and spiritual practices are the oars, the motor and the map, which by the grace of Guru lead you in the right direction, thanks to your efforts. Without a boat, you are most likely to be eaten by sharks or will simply drown: the ocean of life consists not only of sunny moments. There are different variations of Yama-Niyama, but they are all alike. Yama is something that should be avoided, Niyama is something to follow and adhere to. Yama-Niyama must be followed in actions, words and thoughts. 

Here is the list given by our Guru according to Nath’s texts.

Yamas:

1. Ahimsa (non-violence, non-harming)

2. Satya (truthfulness)

3. Asteya (non-stealing)

4. Aparigraha (non-narcotics)

5. Brahmacharya (chastity, sensual abstinence, especially sexual, control over feelings, following God in everything)

6. Kshama (forgiveness of faults and guilt of others, tolerance)

7. Dhriti (firmness)

8. Daya (compassion to everyone)

9. Arjava (honesty and straightforwardness)

10. Mitahara (moderation in nutrition)

Niyamas:

1. Shaucha (purification of body and mind)

2. Tapas (asceticism)

3. Ishvara-pujana (worship of God)

4. Svadhyaya (systematic study of the sacral scriptures)

5. Santosha (contentment with what one has)

6. Japa (repetition of mantras)

7. Mati (development of mental acuity, deep understanding)

8. Hri (sense of shame and remorse in case of wrong deed)

9. Astikya (faith in Guru, tradition, scriptures)

10. Huta, Homa (offer to the Deity of food, drink, objects valuable to the worshiper)

11. Dana (donation)

12. Siddhanta-Vakya-shravana (hearing about the siddhanta)

It is always necessary to check with Yama-Niyama, because the further you swim, the safer and stronger your boat should be.