yogalila

2.31 jati desa kala samaya anavacchinnah sarvabhaumah mahavratam

Iyengar:  Yamas are the great and mighty universal vows, unconditioned by place, time, and class. 

Iyengar says these yamas form the framework of rules on which society is based.  He says these describe the approach for a universal culture. 

Bryant:  [These yamas] are considered the great vow.  They are not exempted by one’s class, place, time or circumstance.  They are universal. 

Bryant points out that these rules are non-negotiable.  He points out that renegotiation of the yamas in the Western culture is “emphatically not recognized by the classical yoga tradition”.  Although yoga goals are for self liberation, Bryant says it cannot be achieved except through “moral means of interacting with others”.  He says then that yoga is a moral system. 

Taimni:  These (the five vows), not conditioned by class, place, time or occasion and extending to all stages constitute the Great Vow. 

Taimni gives examples of real life issues that come up when following the yamas.  For example, if you are stuck in the wilderness and are starving, do you kill animals for food?  And Taimni also points out that doing the right thing means knowing what is right.  If the wrong thing is done, suffering will occur. 

Carrera:  These Great Vows are universal, not limited by class, place, time, or circumstance. 

Carrera points out that these yamas apply to everyone, not just yogis.  They are as valid today as they were when they were written thousands of years ago. 

Drawing anatomy: Living in the psoas.

Sketchblog: DayBooks

7 x 10 1/2 double-page spread; oil stick, ink, whatever, on paper.

2.30 ahmisa satay asteya brahmacarya aparigrahah yamah

Iyengar:  Non violence, truth, abstention from stealing, continence, and absence of greed for possessions beyond ones needs are the five pillars of yama. 

Iyengar’s commentary is short.  He says “These rules and restraints are clearly laid down for us to live in society whilst remaining a yoga practitioner.”

Bryant:  The yamas are nonviolence, truthfulness, refrainment from stealing, celibacy, and renunciation of unnecessary possessions.

Bryant says that ahminsa is the most important yama and the root of all other yamas.  Although it is impossible to avoid harming bacteria when we bathe, for example, the commentators are very clear about this:  being a vegetarian is required for aspiring yogis. 

I’m struggling with this one greatly.  I have no desire to eat meat but I am severely anemic right now.  Everyone around me is telling me I must eat meat. 

Bryant has a thoughtful commentary on truth and celibacy and I encourage the reader to get his book.

Taimni:  Vows of self-restrain comprise abstention from violence, falsehood, theft, incontinence, and acquisitiveness. 

Taimni says that there are two types of yogis:  lower and higher.  He says that the lower yogi can practice yoga and obtain all kinds of powers (if you have read Autobiography of  a Yogi you’ll understand these powers – levitation, disappearing acts, etc.).   The higher yogi wants to reach enlightenment.  His commentary on each of the yamas is also worth reading. 

Carrera: Yama consists of nonviolence, truthfulness, nonstealing, continence, and nongreed. 

Carrera says that the yamas strengthen and purify the mind. 

Carrera is the most lenient in his commentary when it comes to Bramacharya.  Other commentators say that to be a yogi, you must be celibate.  Carrera says that everything, including sex, must be done in moderation.