Yama

Ethical restraints. First limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

The five yamas are:

• Ahimsa — Non-violence
• Satya — Truthfulness
• Asteya — Non-stealing
• Brahmacharya — Moderation
• Aparigraha — Non-possessiveness

The yamas regulate one’s relationship with the external world. They are universal: they apply regardless of time, place, circumstance, or social condition. Without this ethical foundation, advanced practices may reinforce the ego rather than dissolve it.