4 A JOURNEY INTO YIN YOGA
be needy and hijack our attention. It is said that a person firmly committed
against stealing, or committed to asteya, will receive a steady stream of mate-
rial and spiritual wealth. One who feels abundance also attracts abundance;
the person no longer chases after opportunities because opportunities come
chasing after the person. It is a beautiful moment along the yoga path when
you realize that everything you want already exists within.Brahmacharya, or Celibacy
In ancient times, yogis renounced all forms of sexual activity, believing
that they could use the sexual energy they harnessed to become spiritually
enlightened. Although this practice might work well for a person isolated in
a forest or a cave, it’s more difficult when you are out in the world dealing
with families, relationships, and careers.
Another issue that complicates the strict definition of celibacy, or brahm-
acharya, is that repressing sexual energy can lead to destructive acts, such as
disrespecting ourselves or someone else, which can unleash anger, jealousy,
and negativity. At the same time, when combined with love, physical intimacy
can support us along our spiritual path. So, celibacy as part of brahmacharya
today means using sexual energy in a way that is moderate and respectful.Aparigraha, or Nongrasping
In the yogic tradition, it is believed that that grasping or developing an attach-
ment to something or someone causes suffering. We’ve all seen a toddler
having a meltdown in a store when their parent wouldn’t buy them a toy or a
piece of candy. The more attached this child is to what they want, the more
they suffer.
For adults, it’s the same thing. Do you possess your possessions or do they
possess you? Are you holding onto the past? It’s important to yield to the
fact that everything is in a constant state of flux and change. When we resist
change, or try to latch onto something that’s temporary, we create tremendous
inner conflict and suffering. This self-created stress can greatly detract from
our health and well-being. Nongrasping, or aparigraha, also refers to taking
only what we need and no more. Can you imagine every person, corporation,
and country respecting this? Our planet would be in a much healthier state.
As Gandhi has said, "There is enough for everyone’s need, but not enough
for everyone’s greed."Limb Two: Niyama, or Codes for Noble Living
Niyama deals with self-discipline and spiritual practices in relationship to
ourselves. The five niyamas are saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya, and ish-
vara pranidhana.