Assignment 1

Review the yamas ( Ahimsa, Satya, Brahmacharya and aparigrapha) and write a description of them.

"The word brahmacharya is also understood broadly in yoga as "sexual continence," which can be understood as being applicable as appropriate in different contexts (e.g., marital fidelity, celibacy for spiritual aspirants etc.), in more extreme terms (complete celibacy) or in more specific terms in relation to preserving and sublimating male sexual energy rather than losing it through ejaculation.

In yoga, the term brahmacharya tends to take on a connotation of disciplining the use of and preserving sexual energy. Brahmacharya is discussed in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as one of the 5 Yamas, the foundational commitments for the practice of yoga. According to the Yoga Sutras,

the end-result or fruit of Brahmacharya practiced to perfection is unbounded

energy or vitality"."(wikipedia)

Satya ( truth):

"Satya has been presented in Yoga as one of the Yamas both by Patanjali and Vashistha. It is advised in order to refine our actions, both subtle and gross, so we may grow towards or come in line with the ultimate truth, our true nature. Vashistha informs us that one is said to speak the truth only when he or she fulfils three conditions: speech must be in accordance with fact; he/she must be guided by good intention and justice; speech must be couched in agreeable words. It consists in saying only that which one has directly perceived, inferred or learnt from a reliable source". (centeredyoga.com)

Ahimsa (peace) :

"The principle of compassion towards yourself and others in words, thoughts and actions".

(elephantjournal.com)

Brahmacharya: ( celibacy-moderation)

Aparigraha -

"Non-Possessiveness, Non-Hoarding

Why should we not hoard material possesions? "

(http://www.instantgoodkarma.org/Aparigraha.html)

The above link has really good information about it.

In a nutshell it explains how if we dedicate ourselves to accumulate material possesions we can end up controlled by them. it gives a great explanation of the Gunas and the relations to the Rajas and Tamas.