Yoga of the Heart
Ten Ethical Guidelines for Gaining Limitless Growth, Confidence, and Achievement
by Alice Christensen
From Chapter 3: Introduction to the Ten Ethical Powers of Yoga
Classical Yoga is composed of eight parts, called "limbs." Most classes in Yoga in the Western world begin with Steps 3, 4, and 5 — physical exercises, breathing techniques, and beginning meditation techniques. These aspects of Yoga are perfect for those wishing to use Yoga techniques for such goals as flexibility, improved sports performance, relief from anxiety and stress, or improved health. All these are quite valid reasons for practicing Yoga, and provide a healthy way to get more out of life.
Some people, however, are reaching for something more. They are becoming aware that life has a much greater source of awareness, and they feel a need to get to know the huge spiritual nature that lies within all of us. This goal takes conscientious attention to the system of Yogic ethics defined by the first two limbs, Steps 1 and 2, called yamas and niyamas, which are the ten ethical principles that we will be discussing in Chapters 4 through 13. (It is interesting to note that in traditional Yoga practice in India many years ago, a student was required to be firmly established in these ethical practices even before obtaining instruction in the physical exercises, breathing, and meditation techniques.)
Remember that in this book I am using the word "ethics" differently from the social or religious connotations that you may be familiar with, in which ethics are used primarily as a way of relating to the community outside yourself. In Yoga, ethics are practiced in order to develop a relationship with your inner self.
The Sanskrit term yama literally means "restraint," and niyama means "not restraint" or observance. I have decided to use the English word "ethics" to encompass all ten guidelines because it most clearly depicts the connection between behavior and feeling; in other words, the connection between the physical and spiritual bodies.
From Yoga of the Heart: Ten Ethical Guidelines for Gaining Limitless Confidence, Growth, and Achievement, by Alice Christensen (Daybreak/Rodale Books, 1998).
Copyright 2002 by The American Yoga Association. All Rights Reserved.
