The author clearly explaines Yama and Niyama, the traditionally-accepted cardinal principles of morality, in a modern way, and at the same time places those principles on a clear scientific basis. The reader will learn that ancient teachings of self-control and selfless conduct stem in fact from the deepest understandings of human psychology, and are keys to the release of the highest human potentials.
This book begins by explaining the concept of ethics in the context of yoga practice and spiritual meditation, and then goes on the explain in detail all of the ten points of Yama-Niyama. Each point is clarified with examples from psychology and philosophy, both Eastern and Western, in their historical and also modern context. In addition the author provides myriad insights into the fundamentals of yoga itself, the structure of the mind, the cakra system as an emotional map of the body, and the purpose of meditation. The basic premise of the book is that Yama-Niyama are designed to create the balanced mental state necessary for the expansion of mind that is yoga: they help to produce an integrated personality and the subtle perception and empathy necessary to facilitate the fullest possible expression of human capacity both individually and collectively. Presented to be of interest not only to yoga students, teachers and spiritual seekers, but also as a study of the concept of ethics itself within a wider context, the author has made an invaluable contribution to the understanding of Yama-Niyama and the inner motivation of their design. This special edition includes the extra text 'A Guide to Human Conduct' by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti.
"Finally, a truly accessible, comprehensive guide on how to apply yoga's yamas and niyamas to everyday life. Both for the yogi and non-yogi alike, this beautiful manual has powerful teachings about relating to self and others. I can't wait to share it with my yoga students and yoga teacher trainees." ~Stacey Vespaziani, E-RYT and owner of South Hills Power Yoga and Bloomfield Yoga The Yamas and Niyamas are yoga's essential, ethical principles originally mentioned in the Yoga Sutras, the first written explanation of yoga compiled by Patanjali over 2,000 years ago. In the West, yoga is mostly known as a form of exercise, though the Sutras say yoga is an eight-part system working in unison to control the mind. These "limbs" as they are called in the Sutras include the Yamas and Niyamas, breathwork, yoga postures, and various stages of meditation. The Yamas (how to treat others) and the Niyamas (how to care for yourself) include values such as peace, truth, gratitude, and contentment. When practiced, they make life more manageable and meaningful. Although similar to other moral or religious codes, the Yamas and Niyamas are more freeing than restrictive and a thought process over a hard set of rules. They are basically 10 ways to be a better person. YOGA'S YAMAS AND NIYAMAS is a practical, relatable yoga philosophy text. Informational and instructional, this book is for anyone curious about yoga philosophy, self-improvement, or is seeking more out of life. It is also of value to yoga instructors who want to incorporate yoga philosophy into their teaching or yoga teacher trainees who are deepening their understanding of the first two limbs of yoga. In this book is a chapter for each Yama and Niyama explaining what it is as well as a physical yoga practice, consideration, mantra, journal prompt, and a personal account of how the author used the principle in her own life. This book can be applied as a textbook, resource, or workbook to live life with peace, purpose, awareness, and accountability. This book comes with online yoga videos to physically practice the principles: courtneyseiberling.com/yoga
Ethics is a part of philosophy that is concerned with living well and choosing the right course of action. The choice of the course of action is based on moral reasoning and there is no single moral theory on which we can base the choices that we make. The application of moral standards in life is also the concern of Ethics: Theory and Practice, which deals with moral theories in Indian and Western philosophical traditions as well as the debates that centre around their application. The book has ten chapters—the first chapter presents what morality and moral reasoning is; the second chapter is a critical survey of some popular concepts of Indian ethics; the third chapter surveys Western moral theories and the remaining seven chapters cover a variety of contemporary moral issues that are controversial as well as inescapable. They deal with issues like capital punishment, civil disobedience, euthanasia, and women’s rights.
This book begins by explaining the concept of ethics in the context of yoga practice and spiritual meditation, and then goes on the explain in detail all of the ten points of Yama-Niyama. Each point is clarified with examples from psychology and philosophy, both Eastern and Western, in their historical and also modern context. In addition the author provides myriad insights into the fundamentals of yoga itself, the structure of the mind, the cakra system as an emotional map of the body, and the purpose of meditation. The basic premise of the book is that Yama-Niyama are designed to create the balanced mental state necessary for the expansion of mind that is yoga: they help to produce an integrated personality and the subtle perception and empathy necessary to facilitate the fullest possible expression of human capacity both individually and collectively. Presented to be of interest not only to yoga students, teachers and spiritual seekers, but also as a study of the concept of ethics itself within a wider context, the author has made an invaluable contribution to the understanding of Yama-Niyama and the inner motivation of their design.
There is a yoga boom in America, and Jois is at the heart of it. One of the great yoga figures, Jois brought Ashtanga yoga to the West a quarter of a century ago. Here he outlines the ethical principles and philosophy underlying the discipline and explains its important terms and concepts. 67 photos.
In recent years, the practice of yoga has been heavily westernized. Some might criticize how far we have deviated from its origins, yet yoga's increasing popularity has touched many more lives than it otherwise would have. While an asana practice is becoming a normal part of the day for many of us, yoga's deeper teachings are often left unexplored. The Yamas and Niyamas are a foundational part of yoga beyond asana. The Yamas show us how our choices and actions impact the world and its people. Their practice helps us step lightly through life as we become more intentional. The Niyamas teach us about ourselves. When we focus inward, we begin to notice patterns that reveal our opportunities, our purpose, and our truest self. Being Human explores each Yama and Niyama from a lens of imperfection and without the expectation of a destination. When we begin our journey knowing that there is no finish line, we open doors we might have left closed. And when we accept that we can't get it "right" or "wrong," we create space for life to unfold without expectation.
