The Three First Yamas of Astanga-Yoga w/ Swami Padmanabha

See links at the bottom.

In this episode, special guest Swami Padmanabha, traveling monk, and yoga philosophy teacher for 20 years speaks on the first three restraints of astanga-yoga: non-violence, truthfulness, and non-stealing.

Astanga-yoga means the eight-limbed path of yoga. Swami Padmanabha gives a brief description of the eight limbs:

yama - restraints

niyama - observances

asana - posture

pranayama - regulation of breath

pratyahara - sense withdrawal

dharana - concentration

dhyana - meditation

samadhi – complete absorption

He then goes on to comment on the first three yamas:

ahimsa – non-violence

satya – truthfulness

asteya – non-stealing

Since ahimsa comes first it has a prominence, and this means that the following principles are guided by this one. For example, you are asked to be truthful. But since you are first of all asked to be non-violent, you need to be mindful about speaking the truth in a way that is not hurtful.

Stealing goes beyond stealing physical things. Punctuality is also part of asteya, since you’re otherwise stealing people’s time. Swami is careful to point out, however, that we’re not expected to be mastering these principles at once. We need to start somewhere and find a healthy pace of growth from there.

We also get to hear Swami’s reflections on practicing these principles in community life, a situation where one is continually challenged in this regard. He advises the listeners to reflect on, hear about, and keep the company of others who are likewise interested to be able to make this a part of one’s life.

Here are Swami Padmanabha's websites and social media links:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/swamibp.padmanabha

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HlU3TuHscs&list=PLfj7YOU9I4AxVe8_I-7IDPhLeINQJ4m9y

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3VAInuyy1jIdzWPFd0nHlg

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/swamipadmanabha/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/swamipadmanabha?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor