Yamas

Yamas and Niyamas make up the moral and ethical basis for the practice of yoga. In simple terms they are the do's and don'ts of yoga. As in anything in life, the foundation has to be solid in order to support the structure.

Yamas 

Ahimsa means non-harmfulness or non-injury, both in deed and thought, as every action is the fruit of a thought. One should not harm, injure, maim or kill any being, including oneself. Vegetarianism is an extension of this respect for life.

Satya means truthfulness. Truthfulness in speech, thought and action.Truthfulness in dealing with others, but also truthfulness to ourselves. When we are really truthful about ourselves we don't always necessarily like what we see. It is at this point we must be very careful. Accept yourself as you are. If there are changes to be made, then make them, but don't develop a negative self-image. When we learn how to accept ourselves with all our imperfections we can be more understanding and compassionate towards others and accept what we percieve to be their imperfections. In being truthful about ourselves we must learn to accept the reality as it is and not as we would like it to be. Every human being contains darkness and light, a potential for good or bad, but if we react with negativity towards ourselves we only reinforce our misery. Being truthful brings about a clear conscience, which in turn gives us more peace of mind.There is no peace to be found in self-delusion.

Asteya means non-stealing, but can also extend to the concept of non-acquisitiveness. One should not envy anything that belongs to another or seek to own something that is not rightfully one's own. Similarly possessing a thing merely for the possession of it is a futile exercise. The unnecessary hoarding of material possessions is of no help to us as they only serve to create attachment. Where there is attachment there will ultimately be suffering. Asteya is a principal of minimalism, living simply without excess.

Aparigraha is the non-acceptance of gifts or bribes. Once again we must not be swayed by the lure of "gold". Corruption and dishonesty can ultimately only lead to misery.

Bramacharya is the exercise of restraint over the libido. This is always a touchy topic, but the practice of celibacy can be found in any spiritual practice or religion. Yoga advises us to maintain restraint and control over our sexual impulses to avoid depleting our store of vital energy. The energy that is at the base of mankind's sex drive is a powerful one. It has the potential to create life. Without this inherent drive to reproduce our species would be long extinct. Through the practice of yoga this base energy can be transformed and purified into a spiritually elevating energy called Ojas. Total celibacy demands tremendous strength and courage and requires that the energy be channeled in a higher form. Practicing celibacy just for celibacy can create frustration and neurotic behavioural problems. Gautama the Buddha himself said that if there was any other obstacle as great as the total observance of bramacharya he didn't think that he would have achieved enlightenment.