The Yamas & Niyamas
The first two limbs of the eight-fold path of yoga sutras—the basic text for classical yoga—are examined in this spiritual guide to the practice of yoga. Foundational to all yogic thought, they are considered to be the guidelines to the yoga way of living that free individuals to take ownership of their lives, direct them toward the fulfillment they seek, and gain the skills to choose attitude, thought, and action. The first five guidelines are referred to as the yamas—a Sanskrit word that translates to "restraints"—and encompass nonviolence, truthfulness, not stealing, nonexcess, and nonpossessiveness. The last five are referred to as the niyamas, or observances—purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender. A self-study section at the end of each chapter may also be used by instructors for group discussion.
BEST DEALS
About the Author
As a child and young adult, I was the one always seeking to be at the top of whatever I was doing; I was seeking to get an A+. Life has mellowed me through the years, but I am still seeking to get an A+. Now, however, I want to receive it because I lived well, not because I was at the top. When I go to bed at night, I want to know that for this day I was an asset to humanity. That for this day, I told myself the truth. For this day, I was kind. For this day, I put courage over fear. For this day, I participated fully in my life, and the world is a better place because I am here.
Deborah Adele, MA, ERYT500, is an author and lecturer on yogic philosophy and yoga lifestyle. Her first book, The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice, was published in 2009 and is among the first books written in the West focused singularly on the topic of the first two of the eight limbs of yoga from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. She has produced two CDs: one is guided relaxation and the other guided meditation; and is currently working on her second book. For over 14 years, she used her knowledge to build Yoga North, now a thriving yoga center in Duluth, MN.
Deborah has made several trips to India for study and exploration and currently spends her time teaching 200-500 level teacher training programs and leading workshops throughout the USA on yogic philosophy. Along with several yoga certifications, Deborah has a background in theology, business, and somatic education. When she isn't teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and playing her piano.
Deborah feels it is important to continually ask ourselves the question, "What does it mean to be human?" by putting ourselves in places we can be challenged and changed, by telling ourselves the truth, and by sitting in some form of prayer, meditation, or reflection daily. Visit Deborah at DeborahAdele.com.