Notes

( 1 ) Yama ( Restraints ) : The yamas are five principles that outline a code of conduct that when should be observed by an individual interacting with the world . Yama is also sometimes called " the five restraints " because it describes what one should avoid to advance on the spiritual path . They are : ( a ) Ahimsa ( Non - Violence ) It means to shun all the acts of violence which cause harm to others . Violence includes not only the physical harm but also mental harm . It teaches us to resist any feelings of jealousy , anger or hate for other being . any ( b ) Satya ( Truthfulness ) It means to be truthful in thought , word and deed . We must not lie . Hiding the truth from someone is considered lying too . In that way we deny his right to know the actual thing .
( c ) Asteya ( Non - Stealing ) It means non stealing . Stealing is a crime both legally and morally . To steal the possessions or thoughts of someone and use it for our own benefit is morally wrong and one should abstain from it . ( d ) Brahmacharya ( Wise use of energy ) It means to keep one's sense organs under control . Brahmacharya also evokes a sense of directing our energy away from external desires towards finding peace and happiness within ourselves . ( e ) Aparigraha ( Non - Coveting ) Aparigraha teaches us to live with minimum things which are enough to sustain a life . We should not desire for physical or material pleasures . ( ii ) Niyama ( Observances ) : The niyamas are inward practices to improve the self . It contains 5 essential teachings . They are :