num_pages: 192
description: The first two limbs of the eight-fold path of yoga sutrasthe basic text for classical yogaare examined in this spiritual guide to the practice of yoga. Foundational to all yogic thought they are considered to be the guidelines to the yoga way of living that free individuals to take ownership of their lives direct them toward the fulfillment they seek and gain the skills to choose attitude thought and action. The first five guidelines are referred to as the yamas a Sanskrit word that translates to restraintsand encompass nonviolence truthfulness not stealing nonexcess and nonpossessiveness. The last five are referred to as the niyamas  or observancespurity contentment self-discipline self-study and surrender. A self-study section at the end of each chapter may also be used by instructors for group discussion.
language: English
title: The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice
publisher: On-Word Bound Books