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Book: Yoga Studies in Five Minutes

Chapter: 16. What are the Yamas and Niyamas?

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.46358

Blurb:

The Sanskrit word yama is perhaps most accurately translated as “restraint” and, in general, indicates patterns of behaviour towards others; niyama, perhaps best translated as “observance”, signifies more personal behavioural requirements. Compliance with these principles is thought to help the yogin develop the single pointed awareness, and internal power, needed to travel the yogic path.

Chapter Contributors

  • Graham Burns (grahamyoga@hotmail.com - grahamyoga) 'SOAS, University of London'