Day Nineteen

So I admit I was a little tired last night and didn't get to finishing my post.  Somehow the television turned on and after that it was all a blur. But, don't fret, as I've included one for today and yesterday!  In Philosophy yesterday we discussed the five pillars of the Yamas (Great Vows), considered as moral injunctions, of practicing yoga.  They are:


1.  Non-violence, non-harm, non-injury
2.  Truth, real, genuine, honest, virtuous, truthful
3.  Abstinence from stealing, non-misappropriating 
4.  Continence, self-control
5.  Absence of greed for possessions, hoarding, withholding thoughts


These principles are outlined in Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Bks Iyengar as a means to live in the outside world while remaining a yogi.  


During our discussion it was brought up that as yogis, we are allowed to have good attachments - for example, family, friends, love, and of course, yoga!  But, it's also detrimental to hoard possessions as it distracts us from what is true and real - life and those around us.  I remember going over to a relative's house when I was little and seeing stacks and stacks of newspapers and magazines around their house.  It was confusing for me to understand why someone would want to hold on to so many pieces of paper, especially when it became a hinderance in getting around the house.  But, to her it was a comfort to keep these articles around for whatever reason.


Hoarding doesn't have to include just physical objects, at least not in my opinion.  We can hoard negative thoughts against others (which reaches into the principle of non-violence) or we can hoard thoughts by not sharing them with others.  Over the last year I've come to value honesty more than ever as a main principle in keeping relationships with friends and family.  This doesn't mean you have to tell someone straight out if you think their having a bad hair day or if they might not look their best.  But we should be clear and direct in how we feel, without malice but good intention.


These five pillars aren't only for yogis and can be practiced by anyone. I encourage you to evaluate them and see what a difference it makes in your life and those around you.


_Peace and Love