Restraints and Observances (Yama & Niyama)

Before posture, breath, or meditation, Patañjali's yoga begins with character. The five yamas are restraints — what to refrain from: harming, lying, stealing, sexual excess, and grasping possessiveness. The five niyamas are observances — what to cultivate: purity, contentment, disciplined effort, study of oneself and the texts, and devotion to the Lord. Together they are the ethical ground without which the higher practices cannot stand. Far from optional, they are the first two of the eight limbs.