Muni's PlayThe 5 Yamas (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.30) are the first limb of Ashtanga Yoga (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.29), representing universal ethical vows that are to be practiced irrespective of time, place, or circumstance (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.31).
| # | Yama | Sanskrit | Transliteration | Meaning / Definition | Result of Mastery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Non-killing | अहिंसा | Ahimsa | Non-injury in thought, word, and deed | All enmities cease in their presence (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.35) |
| 2 | Truthfulness | सत्य | Satya | Unfailing truth in thought, word, and deed | Fruits of work accrue without the work (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.36) |
| 3 | Non-stealing | अस्तेय | Asteya | Not taking what belongs to others | All wealth/jewels come to the Yogi (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.37) |
| 4 | Continence | ब्रह्मचर्य | Brahmacharya | Chastity / Conservation of energy | Great spiritual energy and will-power is gained (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.38) |
| 5 | Non-receiving | अपरिग्रह | Aparigraha | Non-attachment to gifts and possessions | Memory of past lives arises (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.39) |
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