National Meditation Month | What are the Yamas and Niyamas

“Keep your thoughts sacred, and your world will become sacred.  It’s the quiet place inside where you return over and over again which nurtures  your thoughts sacred, your heart expanded and your dreams alive.   Meditation helps you to create your sacred place.”

-Billie Topa Tate

The Practice of The Yamas and The Niyamas in Meditation:

The practice of the Yamas and Niyamas definitely inspires us to remember that meditation is a way of life — not just something we do for 20 minutes three times a week.  In fact, if they are interwoven in every fabric of our life.

The Power of Yama – Control

Yama is a process by which the actions of the body and the functions of the mind are volitionally restrained. It purifies one’s words, thoughts, and deeds, enabling the aspirant to reach the deeper aspect of his or her own self that remains dormant in an undisciplined life. Through the practice of yama, an unknown inner power is experienced, because the body becomes quiescent and the mind becomes tranquil and able to function better.

The 10 Yamas:

1. Non-Violence
2. Truth
3. Honesty
4. Sexual Continence
5. Forbearance
6. Fortitude
7. Kindness
8. Straight-Forwardness
9. Moderation in Diet
10. Purity (Bodily Cleansing)

The Power of The Niyama – Golden Rules of Contact

After following the yamas, one will be able to follow effortlessly the rules of conduct, thus enhancing the development of one’s spiritual nature that makes one harmless, selfless, friendly, loving, and respectful to all creation, from mineral to man.

The 10 Niyamas:

1. Austerity
2. Contentment
3. Belief in God
4. Charity
5. Worship of God in any form
6. Openness and constant study by reading or listening to explanations of teachings or doctrines and scriptures
7. Modesty
8. Having a discerning mind
9. Repetition of payers
10. Observance of vows and performing sacrifices

Join us, each week for our Free Friday Night Community Meditation.  Click here for more information. 

National Meditation Month

To see all our special weekly meditation offerings during the month of May, click here

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