straight to the yoga poses. Others will go straight to meditation and neglect physical health. I highly
recommend starting with Pantanjali’s first two limbs. Your practice will be at its deepest and most
fulfilling if the first two limbs are practiced at a high level. If the first two limbs are not practiced at a
proficient level, the rest of the limbs will be performed at a more superficial and less effective level.
FIRST LIMB Yama (Self-Restraint)
The focus of the first limb is on being an ethical and moral person, and on improving your
relationship with the outer world. These values are as important today as they were centuries ago.
The Yamas, as they are referred to, are not meant to be a moral straitjacket, but instead are meant to
help develop a greater awareness of one’s place in the world. It is not a coincidence that this is the
first limb of the practice. When taking steps to transform our inner world, our outer world becomes a
total reflection of this effort. There are five Yamas:
1. Ahimsa: Non-violence
Replace harmful thoughts, speech, and actions with that of loving kindness toward yourself
and others.
2. Satya: Truth to be expressed in thought, word, and action
Be honest in your thoughts, words, and actions toward yourself and others.
3. Asteya: Non-stealing and non-covetousness
Curb desires for things that are not your own. Share the beauty of your thoughts, speech,
actions, and material belongings to uplift others instead of stealing and hoarding them for
yourself.
4. Brahmacharya: Abstinence from sexual intercourse when not married, practicing
monogamy and not having sexual thoughts about another person who is not your spouse
It is believed that a life built on celibacy and spiritual studies done by free will increases
energy and zest for life. Celibacy may sound like an unrealistic goal today, but it may help to
remember that brahmacharya is also about monogamy. When brahmacharya is fully realized
in marriage, the sex lives of both partners improve because the level of trust and devotion
deepens their connection. It is important that the sexual activity is an expression based on the
highest level of mutual respect, love, selflessness, and wisdom.
5. Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness or non-greediness
Replace the habit of hoarding with sharing. Do not take without giving back. If you want
something, work for it. This builds appreciation for what you have. This will help minimize
the insatiable desire to constantly consume. An appetite that is not wisely disciplined leads to
personal ill health, financial debt or poor credit, and destruction of the planet’s natural
resources. The Greek god Apollo’s motto, “Nothing in excess. All things in moderation,” is a
great way to describe aparigraha.