The Foundations of Yoga – Yama and Niyama

Yama and Niyama are the first two limbs of the 8 Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, and serve as a foundation for practice, meditation, and self awareness in all aspects of life. Further limbs include the familiar practices of Asana – physical postures and Pranayama – breathwork, but in Ashtanga Yoga our practice is grounded first in the Yamas and Niyamas, before we ever set foot on the mat.

When built on a foundation of Yama and Niyama any yoga practice, whether it be a practice for fitness, or for relaxation, or for self-discovery, will be one that serves your highest aims. Ahimsa – Nonviolence helps us to reduce the risk of injury by working at a safe ‘edge’. Tapas – Purifying Heat helps us to maintain daily practice regardless of our schedules and deadlines. Brahmacharya – Maintenance of Vital Energy helps us to maintain our positive energy and reduce the waste of energy through worry, stress, and excess.

These cards can serve as a guide for you in your practice and your daily life. Print them, cut them out, and pick a card each day to inform, inspire, and ignite your practice.

Yama 1 Niyama 1 Ahimsa – Nonviolence Saucha – Cleanliness Today I will be established in Today I will practice purity of mind, nonviolence, and will not harm with body, and spirit in thoughts, words, thoughts, words, or actions. and actions.

Yama 2 Niyama 2 Satya – Truthfulness Santosha – Contentment Today I will be established in Today I will be content with what is, truthfulness, and live my truth in without expectation or striving. thoughts, words, and actions.

Yama 3 Niyama 3 Asteya – Nonstealing Tapas – Purifying Heat Today I practice nonstealing, and Today I will sustain my practice will respect the time, energies, and despite challenge and adversity. ideas of myself and others.

Yama 4 Brahmacharya Niyama 4 Maintenance of Vital Energy Svadhyaya – Self Study Today I will be aware of the right Today I will practice self study by use of my energy in thoughts, being present and observant of my words, and actions. thoughts, words, and actions.

Yama 5 Niyama 5 Aparigraha – Non-Coveting Ishwara Pranidana – Surrender Today I will be established in non- Today I will surrender to what is, attachment in my relationships, what has been, and what will be. lifestyle, and material things. I will flow with the rhythm of life.