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the five yamas

Brahmacharya
The Language of Yoga

The Yamas: Brahmacharya

The fourth yama, brahmacharya, is the one that often attracts the most discussion – not to mention misconception, which can result in some resistance to it. Many people think of brahmacharya as meaning “continence” or “chastity,” which can feel…

The Language of Yoga

The Yamas: Ahimsa

The first yama, ahimsa, is usually translated as non-violence or non-harming. Just like the Hippocratic oath instructs fledgling doctors to “do no harm,” this first yama includes the same fundamental idea for the rest of us: In part of…

The Language of Yoga

Eight Limbs of Yoga: The Yamas

The yamas - there are five of them - make up the first limb of yoga. These, along with the niyamas, are guidelines for living a better, more fulfilled life. But before you roll your eyes, the yamas are…