The life of an ancient yogi was defined by renunciation. Having few possessions and fewer worldly addictions, daily life was filled with self-study and self-less devotion. This yogic commitment meant giving up many foods, all forms of intoxicants and taking a vow of chastity.
Tag Archives: yoga philosophy
Asteya: The Yoga of Non-Stealing
The third of the yamas, or inner restraints, is asteya: to not take what is not freely offered. Asteya asks us to peel back these basic levels of stealing and explore the subtle ways we take what is not offered. Beyond material objects, the purpose of this yoga practice is to explore what immaterial things can be ‘stolen’.
Aparigraha: The Yoga of Non-Attachment
Aparigraha, or non-attachment, is the second of the yamas or internal disciplines. It helps us cultivate satisfaction and fulfillment from within through simplifying our lives. It keep us moving forward at a steady pace, facing success and failure evenhandedly, helping us find emotional balance.