Yamas Unit

The Yamas ( sa, यम, translit=Yama), and their complement, the Niyamas, represent a series of "right living" or ethical rules within Yoga philosophy. It means "reining in" or "control". These are restraints for proper conduct as given in the Vedas and the Yoga Sutras. They are a form of moral imperatives, commandments, rules or goals. The Yamas are the "don't do these" list of self-restraints, typically representing commitments that affect one's relations with others and self. The complementary Niyamas represent the "do these" list of observances, and together Yamas and Niyamas are personal obligations to live well.Judith Lasater (1998), Beginning the Journey, '' Yoga Journal'', Nov-Dec Issue, pages 42-48

The earliest mention of ''Yamas'' is in the Rigveda, and over fifty texts of Hinduism, from its various traditions, discuss Yamas. Patañjali lists five yamas in his Yoga Sūtras of Patanjali. Ten yamas are codified as "the restraints" in numerous Hindu texts, including Yajnavalkya Smriti in verse 3.313, the Śāṇḍilya and Vārāha Upanishads, the ''Hatha Yoga Pradipika'' by Svātmārāma, and the Tirumantiram of Tirumular.

The most often mentioned Yamas are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (non-falsehood, truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Mitahara (non-excess in food, moderation in food), Kṣamā (non-agitation about suffering, forgiveness), and Dayā (non-prejudgment, compassion). The Yamas apply broadly and include self-restraints in one's actions, words and thoughts.

Etymology and meaning

The earliest mention of Yamas is found in the Hindu scripture Rigveda, such as in verse 5.61.2, and later in the Jain Agamas.Monier Monier-Williams, Sanskrit English Dictionary with Etymology, Oxford University Press, Entry for Yama, page 846 The word in the Rigveda means a "rein, curb", the act of checking or curbing, restraining such as by a charioteer or a driver. The term evolves into a moral restraint and ethical duty in the Jain Agamas. The Yamas were explained in detail by Patañjali in the ''Yoga Sūtras of Patanjali'' as the first step of the 8-fold path of yogic philosophy and practice for attaining enlightenment and union of the mind, body and soul.

The English term Yamas is derived from the Sanskrit word, Yama, meaning "restraint," states Stephen Sturgess, particularly "from actions, words, or thoughts that may cause harm".

Yamas by source

The number of Yamas varies with the source:

At least sixty (60) ancient and medieval era Indian texts are known so far that discuss Yamas.SV Bharti (2001), ''Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'': With the Exposition of Vyasa, Motilal Banarsidas, , Appendix I, pages 672-680 Most are in Sanskrit, but some are in regional Indian languages. Of the sixty, the lists in eleven of these texts are similar, but not the same, as that of Patanjali's. Other texts list between 1 and 10 ''Yamas'', however 10 is the most common.

The order of listed yamas, the names and nature of each yamas, as well as the relative emphasis vary between the texts. Some texts use the reverse of Niyamas in other texts, as Yamas; for example, ''Vairagya'' (dispassion from hedonism, somewhat reverse of the niyama ''Tapas'') is described in verse 33 of Trishikhi Brahmana Upanishad in its list for Yamas. Many texts substitute one or more different concepts in their list of Yamas. For example, in the ten Yamas listed by Yatidharma Sangraha, Akrodha (non-anger) is included as a Yamas. Ahirbudhnya Samhita in verse 31.19 and Darshana Upanishad in verses 1.14-15 include '' Dayā'' as a Yamas, and explain it as the ethical restraint of not jumping to conclusions, being compassionate to every being and considering suffering of others as one's own. In verse 31.21, Ahirbudhnya Samhita includes Kṣamā as the virtue of forgiveness and restraint from continued agitation from wrong others have done. Mahakala Samhita in verses II.11.723 through II.11.738 lists many of the 10 Yamas above, but explains why it is a virtue in a different way. For example, the text explains ''Dayā'' (or Dayaa) is an ethical precept and the restraint from too much and too little emotions. It suggests ''Dayā'' reflects one's inner state, is the expression of kindness towards kin, friend, stranger and even a hostile person, and that one must remain good and kind no matter what the circumstances. Refraining from maintaining or teaching ethics gives excuse to deceit and even lying to one's guru to advance in position and life. This view for the Yamas of ''Dayā'' is shared in Shandilya Upanishad and Jabala Darshana Upanishad. Atri Samhita in verse 48, lists ''Anrshamsya'' (आनृशंस्य) as the restraint from cruelty to any living being by one's actions, words or in thoughts. Shivayoga Dipika in verse 2.9 substitutes ''Sunrta'' for ''Satya'', defining Sunrta as "sweet and true speech".

The Yamas is the foundations of yoga and are a type of living and being.

Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Mitahara, Kṣamā, Dayā are among the widely discussed Yamas ethical concepts by majority of these texts.

See also

* Dama
* Niyama
* Samatva (Equanimity)
* Religious vows

References

{{Hindudharma

Eight limbs of yoga
Hindu philosophical concepts
Ethical issues in religion
Hindu ethics