Playing by the Rules

Yoga is not known for its rules. We yogis are, by-and-large, free-flowing folks. We are in tune with our bodies, minds and spirits and we are able to tap into that wisdom more easily than most. Why is that? Perhaps, partly, because there are principles, more often lived than spoken, that guide us—on and off the mat. The very first limbs of yoga (the yama and niyama) articulate these moral guideposts—the “dos” and “don’ts,” if you will. They are the unspoken rules of yoga.

These universal truths align with all faith traditions, enhancing one’s religious experience, rather than conflicting with it. In fact, each of the yama and niyama are contained within the Judeo-Christian moral compass, the Ten Commandments. They are also found sprinkled throughout the Qur’an and are implicit in Buddhism’s Eight Fold Path. Let’s take a look.

The “don’ts” (yama) The “dos” (niyama)

Ahimsa: nonviolence Saucha: purity
Satya: non-lying Santosha: contentment
Asteya: non-stealing Tapas: austerity
Brahmacharya: sensual restraint Svadhyaya: study
Aparigraha: non-covetousness Ishvara pranidhana: surrender to God

One of the ways Western religion often falls short in encouraging us to live our spiritual truths is its lack of kinesthetic engagement. We talk about faith. We listen to sermons on it. We read about it. We may even write about it in our journals. But we struggle with ways to engage it physically—to wrap our hands around it. Yoga gives us postures, breathing, a mandate and a mat on which to sit in stillness and see what God has for us that day. Similarly, prayer beads—used by every major world religion—give us, in the most literal sense, a faith we can hold onto. You can read more on prayer bead practices (and enter to win a copy of my book!) in this excerpt from Sophia Rising: Awakening Your Sacred Wisdom Through Yoga on Boho Daily:
http://www.bohodaily.com/2013/09/a-faith-to-hold-onto/.

Today, I’d like to offer you an opportunity to think about which of the yama and niyama you are being called to focus on in your own life. As an additional encouragement, I’m partnering with Tiny Devotions, makers of mala beads and other inspiring jewelry, to give away a niyama-inspired bracelet from their new Niyamas Collection. Thus far, they’re offering designs based on four of the niyama. Peruse the designs, ponder the intentions of each, and decide which one’s speaking to you. Comment on which one it is and why. Click on the Rafflecopter entry button, and you’ll be entered to win the bracelet of your choice. You can engage on Twitter for extra entries. The contest is open through Monday, September 23 (11:59 p.m. Eastern time). Happy pondering.




Santosha Tassel Bracelet: Happiness, Intuition, Possibility





Saucha Tassel Bracelet: Joy, Life, Purity





Svadhyaya Tassel Bracelet: Centering, Self Love, Self-Reflection





Tapas Tassel Bracelet: Austerity, Focus, Goals