COMPARATIVE STUDY OF YAMA IN VASHISHTHA SAMHITA AND PATANJALI YOG SUTRA

Abstract

The Yamas and their complement represent a series of "right living" or ethical rules within Yoga philosophy. It means "reining in" or "control". These are restraints for proper conduct as given in the Vedas and the Yog Sutras. They are a form of moral imperatives, commandments, rules or goals. The Yamas are the "don't do these" list of self-restraints, typically representing commitments that affect one's relations with others and self.

The earliest mention of Yamas is in the Rigveda, and over fifty texts of Hinduism, from its various traditions, discuss Yamas. Patañjali lists five yamas in his Yoga Sūtras of Patanjali. Ten yamas are codified as "the restraints" in numerous Hindu texts, including Yajnavalkya Smriti, the Śāṇḍilya and Vārāha Upanishads, the Vashistha Samhita the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Svātmārāma, and the Tirumantiram of Tirumular.

The Yamas apply broadly and include self-restraints in one's actions, words and thoughts.

A YAMA is a duty or observance recommended by yogic philosophy and teaching as part of the eight-limbed path of yoga. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, he outlines five yamas as his first "limb" of yoga.

The word, yama, originally meant "bridle" or "rein" and refers to the restraining nature of the yamas. These yamas are practices that are considered to be outer observances. They are a way of applying the behavioural codes of yoga to the way the yogi relates to the world. They are considered to be a valuable and highly relevant guide to help yogis live an ethical life.

Practicing the yamas is said to give the yogi the opportunity to live in a way that is healthier and more peaceful. They can improve relationships with others, strengthen character and help the yogi progress on his/her spiritual path. It is also believed to reduce or even prevent the accumulation of bad karma, which can be gathered when one lives without awareness or honesty.