YOGA FOR BEGINNERSBRAHMACHARYA
Brahmacharya is perhaps the most interesting yama. It has
been translated to mean abstinence, and Patanjali did believe
in celibacy. However, in today’s modern world that might
not be possible, so we translate this one to mean “not spend-
ing your time on things that waste your energy.” There are
plenty of examples of this. Perhaps you’re always saying yes
to every invite you get and you’re exhausted. Maybe you’re
holding on to relationships that no longer serve you or the
other person. Brahmacharya urges you to rid your life of the
things that drain you.
APARIGRAHA
Aparigraha means “nongreed.” This yama encourages you
to stop living in excess. Have you ever had thoughts like,
“If I had more money, or a bigger house, or better clothes,
I would be happy”? Aparigraha encourages you to let go of
those thoughts and be content with what you do have. To
live by the principle of Aparigraha, do your best to derive
happiness from yourself and the love around you rather
than preferring things that you can buy or obtain.
Niyamas
The niyamas consist of the following:
✦ (^) Saucha
✦ (^) Santosha
✦ (^) Tapas
✦ (^) Svadhyaya
✦ (^) Isvara Pranidhana