Sri KP - Yamas and Niyamas

[Guest guest]

In Guruji’s opinion the Yamas and Niyamas are

very difficult and therefore left to later

instruction. However I think in our culture they are more

important than in India .<br><br>In India societal values

uphold similar principles to those of the Yamas and

Niyamas so the student would not stray too far from the

path- however over here there are no more societal

values - we live in a world of relativism and

uncertainty. <br><br>A yoga practice needs to be rooted in

continuity and regularity. This is very difficult as it

pushes against "the multiple choice" reality of our

modern lives.<br><br>YJ "How important are the first two

limbs of Ashtanga Yoga?<br><br>Sri KPJ "They are very

difficult. If you have a weak mind and a weak body, you have

weak principles…<br><br>Ahimsa is impossible; also

telling the truth is very difficult. The scriptures say

speak the truth which is sweet, dont speak the truth

which hurts. But dont lie, no matter how sweet it

sounds. <br><br>This is why you build a good foundation

with asana and pranayama, so your body and mind and

nervous system are all working. Then you work on ahimsa,

satya and other yamas AND NIYAMAS."

[Guest guest]

The societal values in modern Indian culture are

no more ideal than in modern Western

culture.<br><br>Many religious Westerners adhere, sometimes strictly,

to their own set of rules and will quote scripture

to back up their motives and beliefs. Their own sets

of yamas and niyamas are no less worthy than those

of the Hindus. But mere adherence to scripture does

not an enlightened culture, nor individual, make.