Yamas and Niyamas

Patanjali laid out yoga’s ethical guidelines in his Yoga Sūtras

yamas (social ethics)

niyyamas (personal observances)



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What Is Ethical Living Through Yoga?

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In Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot series, a tea monk and a robot wander the world asking, “What do people need?” The answer isn’t a product or a fix. It’s a feeling. A sense of being heard, valued, and whole. Many of us long for that same feeling in our lives: a way to move through the world with purpose, integrity, and care.

In modern yoga culture, it’s easy to lose sight of yoga’s roots. We see poses, wellness products, and vague talk of “good vibes.” But behind all that is something far more grounded. Yoga offers a path for ethical, purposeful living.

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How to Deal with Change Using Yoga’s Ethical Principles

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Graduation season brings big emotions. As my youngest prepares to leave the nest, I turn to the yamas and niyamas, yoga’s ethical principles, for guidance. These ancient teachings offer tools for meeting change with compassion, truthfulness, and grace. Whether you're facing a personal transition or just navigating daily life, this article explores how yoga can support us through uncertainty.
Yamas and Niyamas