Yoga's Foundations

THE YAMAS AND NIYAMAS

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These great vows are universal, not limited by class, place, time or circumstance.

- Patanjali, Yoga Sutras 2.31

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Many people (yours truly included) begin yoga by taking a yoga class with lots and lots of asanas, aka yoga poses.  We can become fascinated by our bodies’ abilities and overcome some physical limitations through regular, focused practice.  However, if we are too attracted to the physical aspects of yoga, we will completely block further development on the more subtle aspects of ourselves.

This is why the Yoga Sutras list two limbs of Raja Yoga (or Ashtanga Yoga) before the third limb, asana.  The Yamas and Niyamas are like the dos and don’ts of yoga.  They guide us to practice yoga ethically, so that we don’t create additional problems for ourselves or others.  They are the foundation of yoga practice, which is why they are listed first.  

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